Getting closer to the grand finale seems to be bringing out the best in the Exceptional 8. The contestants proved that no hurdle presented by the competition was insurmountable, not even that of having to perform classic songs done in languages other than theirs.
The night unfolded as an exciting one, which came as no surprise because Mike Anyasodo with the stage name iMike, winner of MTN Project Fame Season 2, set things in motion. He opened the show to do what he did so well back in 2009 to have earned him the most coveted position of the winner. We also got to see him do his tricks on the dance floor, a character we have come to know as his signature.
After iMike, the contestants each flawlessly took us back in time to the days of African Legends such as Miriam Makeeba, Oliver de Coque, Cardinal Rex Lawson and so on.
Emeka was up first with late Osita Osadebe’s ‘Osondi Owendi’, a performance that got him a standing ovation from the live audience. Ruky was next, against the odds of the language barrier, was able to deliver a meaningful performance of Christy Essien Igbokwe’s ‘Seun Rere’.
Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba was probably smiling down from heaven as Debby performed her song ‘Malaika’. Even the Judges said it was the best they have ever seen from Debby. Daniella moved us back to Nigeria from South Africa as she also did the elegant stallion, Onyeka Onwenu proud with her rendition of ‘Ekwe’.
In the same spirit, Geoffrey, backed by his ‘fellow Kinsmen’ took the performances a notch higher, as he performed Rex Lawson’s ‘Bere Mote’.
Amazingly, Christian connected with the audience even though he performed a song that was purely in his language; Bosue by Joe Mensah.
Clement brought a touch of humor to the night as he performed ‘Funny Identity’ by Oliver de Coque. He worked his usual magic of thrilling the audience irrespective of his condition.
To crown the performances, Ugo got everyone on their feet dancing all the way as he performed ‘Experience’ by Sir Shina Peters, a performance the Judges described as ‘exponential entertainment.
The evening started off on a beautiful note. Having thrilled everyone with evergreen hits from some of Africa’s highlife legends last night, the Exceptional 8 stepped on stage; this time not as contestants but as winners, dishing out amazing duets and brilliant self-composition.
Emeka and Daniela opened the floor with their intense performance of “I want to spend my lifetime loving you” by Marc Anthony and Tina Arena. Followed by Rukky and Clement who passionately sang “Just give me a reason” by Pink and Nate Ruess.
Debbie and Ugo brought the reggae feel into “Girlie O”remix by Patoranking featuring Tiwa Savage while Geoffrey and Christian rounded off the duet session with electrifying moves and all white attire as they sang “New Flame” by Chris Brown and Usher.
While the audience were still relishing these performances, the contestants made their way back to the stage with another dose of performances as they took the challenge with their own self-compositions.
Multi-talented Ugo was up first and he took everyone on a trip to his own world with his beautiful rendition of his song titled “Rain on me”. Daniela was up next and she told a true life story with her song “Waka Waka”.
Debbie brought in her disco-funk style into her song which she titled “Tinko” while Christian (the ladies man) had nothing but love for his female fans and to them he did “Cherrie Amore”.
Ruky took turn to entertain everyone with her vocal dynamism as she performed her club banger “What What What”. Then, Clement came up with a brilliant and one of a kind heartbreak song “Bleeding Hearts”.
Geoffrey decided to thread the humanitarian path as he encouraged everyone to imbibe the spirit of giving with his song “Every day is a Chance”. Emeka rounded off the show with his Naija pop song which he titled “I love you Pieces”.