by Wilfred Okiche
The exciting and entertaining Talent hunt show, Jay’s Search is back with the second season. Put together by the Aboderin family in honor of their late brother Jaiye Aboderin, This year’s edition of Jay Search promises to be bigger and better than the last season as there are a series of activities planned out for the contestants and music fans. For ease of organization, this year’s auditions have been divided into two stages – The online stage and the live stage.
In a press statement issued by the organisers, Jaiye’s sister Wunmi Obe says. “We embarked on this project to carry on with what Jaiye loved which was supporting young up-and-coming artistes to develop their talents and assist them in making an impact in the entertainment industry.”
“This year’s edition of Jay’s Search plans to be captivating and different as we have a number of activities for the contestants. The Prize money and other goodies for the winner is bigger than last season’s edition so it’s certainly something to look forward to,” she continued.
On December 3rd 2009, 23 year old undergraduate, Oluwasunbo Olundegun (BigMa) emerged winner of the first edition of Jay Search. Big Ma went home with a cash prize of N150,000, a record deal with T.W.O’s Kopykats Entertainment which included, an opportunity to release one audio single, a music video, do a photo shoot and be properly packaged in readiness for the industry, all courtesy of Jay Search.
This is not the first time the family have honored the late Jaiye Aboderin by rewarding budding talents. In 2006 and 2007, they partnered Hip Hop World Awards in rewarding musicians Asa and OD. For winning the Jaiye Aboderin Next rated category, the two acts each got a cash prize of 100,000 Naira, alongside the prestigious award.
Jaiye Aboderin died on December 3, 2004, aged 33. He slumped and died after a game of basketball. While alive Jaiye touched the lives of many in the entertainment industry, including musicians, actors and comedians alike. In tribute to him Freestyle, Mode9, Rugged man with Tunde and Wunmi Obe put together a song titled “Tribute to Jay” in 2007. He left behind a wife- Actress Stella Damasus and two daughters, Angelica and Isabel.
The winner of this year’s Jay Search goes home with a cash prize of N250, 000 cash, a Kopykat’s Entertainment recording deal for one single, one music video, a makeover/photo shoot, Airplay, promotions and publicity. For this prize, six acts will slug it out in December , during the grand finale. The second prize is N100, 000 cash, the 3rd prize is N75, 000 while N50, 000 will be given as consolation prize for the remaining 3 finalists
The Jay’s Search committee also noted that contestants will not at any time during the auditions or competition, be asked to make any payments whatsoever. As Mr. Tunde Obe pointed, “this is a 100% selfless contribution with no hidden agenda and no financial gains whatsoever to any of us. We only want to honour our late brother, who was equally selfless in his lifetime,” he concluded.
Leave a reply