Ade Bantu is a Nigerian-German musician, producer, activist, lecturer, public speaker and grenzgänger. He is the founder of the band, Bantu (Brotherhood Alliance Navigating Towards Unity), and the Afro-German NGO & Musical collective, Brothers Keepers.  He currently resides in Lagos, Nigeria

Deservingly, Bantu netted the 2005 edition of the prestigious Kora Award (the pan African equivalent of the Grammy) in the categories “Best Group West Africa” and “Best Group Africa”.

Bantu was introduced to the Nigerian audience in 1999. The group became an instant success with their radio hit singles “Nzogbu” & “Fire Inna Dancehall”. Over the years, they have consistently released videos and audio recordings of their works which has helped garner a loyal fan base and following. He has collaborated with various artists such as: Xavier Naidoo, UB40, Gentleman, Patrice, Nneka, African China, Adewale Ayuba, Abiodun, Fatai Rolling Dollar, Azadus, Mode 9, Tony Allen, Soundsultan, Harry Belafonte and Asa.

He is presently the newest judge on Project Fame West Africa!

Yes! It's project Fame West Africa Season 5. In season 1 we had Iyanya who has risen to become Kukere crooner, season 2, there was Mike, season 3 was the cream Chidinma who from the word go has been on top of her game, releasing hit tracks from Jankoliko even to 'Run Dia Mouth'. Just last season, Monica joined PF's hall of fame as she clinched the grand prize.

Last season, Yvonne was discovered from Benin. Will another Yvonne emerge this year? Fingers crossed...It was maximum fun and excitment as the young, middle-aged, and old came in search of fame. The funny, the serious minded also came.

This season, the search has begun round major cities in West Africa. Out first stop was at Constantial Hotel, 24/26 Airport Road, GRA, Benin City.

How will it go, will Benin be represented this year? Watch the video on youtube and be the judge.

Enjoy these videos:

" target="_self" title="Kukere">Kukere,

" target="_self" title="Jankoliko">Jankoliko,

" target="_self" title="Benin Auditions">Benin auditions:

The city of Abuja had its own fair share of Project Fame experience. Young talents from the nook and crannies of Abuja trooped out to give fame a chance.

While a few smiled home with their bags full of ‘Yeses’, many others were not lucky enough to impress the judges.

Oprah and Javy came with high hopes but they were not able to impress the judges, the birthday boy also was another interesting character who though got a birthday song from the judges, couldn’t sing his way to a yes.  Interesting characters you will say...

Joy and Deborah, interns at the Rhythm FM, Abuja and students of Birmingham University came to give fame a shot. While Deborah was able to sing her way through, Joy sadly has to try again next year.

Here’s another chance to see the drama, excitement and fun all at the Federal Capital territory.

Ibadan has God talents indeed. The ancient city of Ibadan also played host to Project Fame crew as the search for the next music mega-star hit the city. Will they find another Roy? Will there be another Yetunde-omo Ibadan, or big, bold and beautiful Krimi? Guess time would tell.

Very early in the morning, Tafo-Arena, W.A.E.C. Junction, Eleyele, Road, Ibadan witnessed  an overwhelming assembly of 'wanna-bes'. While some took solace in the restroom to rehearse, some others chose to dance to the blaring tunes from the loud-speakers at the waiting arena and some others clustered in groups preparing for the day, some aged men were not left out with their traditional musical instruments. It was a rich assemblage of diverse music talents all for one goal.

The judges were - Sholla Allyson a well known musical icon, ace broadcaster Damola Tinubu popularly known as Dammy T. and Ibadan based O.A.P. Tony Roland Awobode (Don. T.) had a filled time hearing out everyone who cared to sing and took the onerous task to select the ones that would make it to the next stage.

While we had the good, the not-so-good, and of course the funnies; the judges were able to pick out those that would make it to the next stage of auditions. How far will they go? Will they be able to compete with contestants from other regions?

The search goes on...

Liberia produced the much celebrated Nickolas Buiger in season 2 and the likes of Sametta also of season 2, Princess of season 3. Again the search for another talent pulled by Liberia.

Very early in the morning on the 16th of June, 2012, Krisdera Hotel,Umu-Ewo Royal Avenue, Omoku Port Harcourt witnessed a massive influx of these contestants. While the judges patiently gave ears to the singers and those who met their requirement got the deserved 'yeses', some of these contestants were so funny that you would be forced to say to yourself that this must be a joke.

In our five seasons, this is the first time the city of Ilorin, Kwara State is hosting us. Will they be able to produce this year's winner? Will they go far? We will find out as the season progresses.

Yesterday was Azonto fiesta in Ghana, and today the audition train stopped by Calabar, the city of Etighi. This was where the Kukere crooner-winner of Project Fame season 1 was discovered. Will another winner emerge from here this season? Let the search begin...

Very early in the morning, Marian Hotels received a huge influx of hopefuls who like Iyanya once upon a time came to be auditioned. While we can safely call some of these budding stars masters of dance, others just should just be christened super clowns.