As reaction trail the complaints made by Idols West Africa winner, Timi Dakolo about his delayed contract, Dede Mabiaku, who was a judge in the last edition of the show has expressed disappointment about the development, describing it as sad and disappointing.
Speaking from his base in Ghana, Dede expressed sadness that none of the highly talented contestants have any of their work completed close to a year after the show that was meant to discover youngsters with singing abilities.
“It is rather very sad and disappointing that almost a year after the Idols competition, Timi Dakolo, the winner, still has no album ready or video out in the media or market. I had hoped that the management/organizers would have taken advantage of the interest generated in Nigeria in particular to release quickly top quality productions for Timi and some of the very gifted Nigerian Idols contestants. But well alas here we are no trace whatsoever. That to me sucks,” he said.
Timi Dakolo, whose contract will expire in May, expressed concerns recently that he wants to go back to school as it seems as if the recording deal which is the star prize he won in the competition, was taking forever to come. During the competition which spanned over five months, Timi endeared himself to the whole of Africa and was voted the Idols by winning 67 per cent of the votes but Dede is asking if the organisers are of the opinion that Timi is not good enough for the contract.
“Are they telling us that they are not quality enough for them?” He asked, urging the Nigerian media to ask the organisers the question.
While expressing that he has not being contacted by the organisers of the show for a another season of the show, he maintained that he came into the project because of the value the show will add to West Africa and was happy he did a good job.
“First of all I involved myself with the Idols project to add value as much as possible to a West African project and I am so happy that the whole world saw and commended me for a job well done,” he said.
As for the allegations that he may have been dropped as a judge in the show in preference to Carl Raccah, Dede said he is not worried as he has not being contacted by the organizers officially to that effect.
“If the organisers have taken Carl Raccah, a foreigner, to replace a Nigerian of worth, then they need to be asked why and not me. I state here that I have not been contacted at all by the organizers about a re-run, a new season or any changes made to the judges for Idols West Africa,” he replied.
He however said that there is the possibility of Timi and the rest of the contestants signed on to SONY/BMG to come out with something good despite the short time available and promised not to keep quiet in the event of any irregularity.
“Well it is still very possible to come out in the few months left with something special because those kids are gifted, talented, and very eager to achieve. Look my brother you and I know that if things are not being done right, I must halla oo.. and if that is their reason for turning their back on me for the next idols thing........well ooo me I no fit talk sha, abi no b credibility we all dey look for? I am not aware yet of any intent or otherwise by the organisers, so please ask them land et them answer,” he finished.
Meanwhile, M-Net, the foremost Television content provider on the African continent, and official broadcaster of the Idols West Africa show which was aired continent wide by the company from February 18th to May 26, 2007 has washed their hands off the scandal rocking the international recording contract promised the winner, Timi Dakolo.
MNET had issued a press statement saying that their contract started and ended effectively with the successful hosting of the show on our their network
According to MNET, they are not responsible for the ongoing relationship between the winner and their recording company.
“This was clearly communicated to the contestants and to the audiences of the show whenever the subject of prize fulfilment was raised and through several press conferences held in the course of the show,” MNET explained.
Going further to clarify themselves of the ensuing matter, M-Net informed that they followed the established international format of the series in which a broadcaster screens the show and offers contestants a large television platform from which to begin their careers. Thereafter the relationship between the recording company and the winner is an individual, private business arrangement.
“Around the globe, the relationship between the winner and the prize-giving recording company is one in which the broadcaster is not involved. With Idols West Africa, the recording contract was offered to the winner of the show by Pan African Entertainment (PAE) Sony/BMG,” they stated.
But they went on to assure that given that M-Net does want to see the winner of Idols West Africa find success, it has liaised with Pan African Entertainment regarding this matter and the management responded that that logistical challenges including Timi's overseas performance, his recent injury and visa acquisition have impacted on the production timeline.
“They have advised M-Net that plans for this recording are already well underway and song selection as well as backing tracks have been prepared.”
In respect of the alleged second season of the show, MNET said they have no plan to have a season II of the show and promised that should there be any development to that effect, they would furnish the public with the information.
It was reliably gathered that Peter Theunessen, the Chairman of Pan African Entertainment flew into Nigeria recently to see to it that Timi’s recording session’s starts off immediately.
