Academy Day 60…Money Matters The workout session with the early morning task master, Mr Kayode Ogundepo was intensive…they had to sweat it out. Who said the path to stardom was easy? The principal in her class talked to the budding stars about money. Eyo revealed that he saves 70% of whatever he receives because there would be a rainy day and one can fall back on such savings. The remaining 30% would be disbursed according to his priority list of needs, one after the other. Yetunde agreed with Eyo up to an extent. She would tithe 10%, pay herself 10% and then prioritize the 80% according to needs and not wants. The principal agreed with both, but shared her own thoughts… since all Christians, 10% should be given to God, another 10% saved as seed money which must serve as an inheritance (like a plot of land), that will appreciate over time. The remaining 80% is divided into four parts, for savings, current expenditure, fixed deposit (left for one month untouched) and investments. They contestants were made to understand that no one is owed anything from their winnings and as such it must be used wisely, else they would become broke in one month. Life after Project Fame must be thought about seriously. Hmmmmmmmmmm…words of wisdom. In their voice class, Ms. Ige worked with three of the contestants. Yetunde must watch her breath control. Kesse tried to free style some words into his song, the voice coach gave him suggestions. Ochuko needs to be careful with certain notes in order not to sound nasal. With the music oracle, the contestants continued the rehearsals of their new song ‘I’m A Winner’. Cobhams needed to feel the energy and drive from these budding stars. He painted the picture of ‘We Are The World’ and the buzz it created internationally. The contestants rehearsed again, clapping, stumping and singing their hearts out…Phew! The making of stars… Who will be the winner? …feel the heat.

Academy Day 54…Serious business Adebola rehearsed her song with the Music oracle…she is working it better now. She was advised to think that there’s just one more chance to do the song and give it her best shot. During Chidinma‘s rehearsal, her instructor felt they were still coasting along…maybe it’s because this is the actual first rehearsal of her song. Kesse’s rehearsal was smooth. Tolu took a shot during rehearsals…something new was introduced by the music oracle…he liked it. Though this is the basic idea, the song would still be worked on. Ochuko’s song has a little challenge, the key could be changed but in order to avoid sounding nasal he would stick with this key. Cobhams thinks it’s great but could tweak his song a bit for the listening pleasure of his audience. Eyo’s song sounds like a ballad but he wants R n B, hip hop style. The music oracle experimented with the band. A few bounces with the instrumentation would give the song a lift. A lot of embellishment was infused into Yetunde’s song to give it a structure and fine tune it. She needs to project a bit more in her second verse so that she can wow her listening audience. Where is Christian??? Please recover fast…everyone is praying for you… The feeling goes on…

Academy Day 51....Nigeria's Music Oracle in the Academy In Ige’s class, she came with good news for some and bad news for the others. Tolu should have raised the key of his song…he still doesn’t breath while he sings…reason while his vein shows during his performances. Ochuko was breaking his lines…why? Even if that’s a style to adopt as a singer, making it legato would sound a lot better. Yetunde was nervous, didn’t sing, couldn’t manage her breath…her performance was a ‘No No’. For the first time, Eyo’s vibrato was heard, he poured himself into the song, he showed emotions accompanied with good vocals. Kesse held the emotion of his song and followed through from beginning to the end.’ All of you…you can’t afford to loose hope or loose heart now. The competition has begun…so step it up!’ Those were the parting words of their teacher. Uncle Ben came in with Cobhams Asuquo, the music oracle in Nigeria as described by their teacher. He would mentor the contestants for this week. As a songwriter, he revealed to the contestants that Song writing is a very integral part of creating a musical work. Each contestant presented their songs for constructive criticism. Eyo had to liven up his song, Adebola has a great song but needs a little more drama because she’s a bit too relaxed. Is there an underlying to Kesse’s song titled Chidinma? Hmmmmmmmmm… He was advised to retain the chorus but work on the verses and make it more engaging. In spite of the fact that Yetunde’s song is lovely, her diction is in the way and has to work on it. She also needs to paint enough picture with her lyrics. Chidinma has got a fantastic melody, great message, beautiful prose, but the poetic value has to be worked on. Cobhams and the contestants had a swell time….

It was drama time in Mummy J’s class and drama with a difference. The first scene had Rachael and Ethel as tables, Ruth as a cultist who came to warn Yvonne a lecturer, with Roy directing the scene. The next scene had the table turning in the favour of Ethel and Rachael while Yvonne and Ruth took over the table position. This led to other more interesting scenes;  it is evident that these contestants can do more than just sing and are really talented in other ways.

Countdown to stardom The contestants chatted and laughed, making a song about Kesse’s fart…really hilarious…Kesse’s guitar was back so they sang and had fun. Uncle Ben walked in…all had to sit on the floor. If ever they will seat on the chair, it must be earned. The contestants were given one more chance to show appreciation to whoever; Yetunde and Chidinma were greatful to God, Kesse appreciation went to Cobhams, Eyo and Ochuko thanked Cobhams, and the faculty while Tolu’s appreciation went to Cobhams, the Faculty and his family. The contestants were informed that they would have the opportunity to do collabos with celebrities. DJzeez picked Kesse, Inyanya chose Tolu, Ochuko is JMartins choice and Yetunde was selected by Weird MC. All contestants would perform songs by popular demand and songs from movie soundtacks. Who will step into stardom??? What a feeling!!!