MTN Y’ello Star
MTN Y’ello Star seeks to find the best talents, nurture them and give them a platform to thrive. The platform is designed to nurture talents and establish well-rounded individuals who will take the world by storm.
Hosts
Tobi Bakre
Tobi was born into a family of four children, among which includes his older brother, Femi Bakre, CEO of Kraks TV, and two sisters. He earned his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Lagos where he graduated with a Second Class Honors Upper Division in Banking and Finance.
Tobi used to be an investment banker having worked in the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and in the banking industry for four years. He participated in the Big Brother Naija (season 3) reality TV show.
Tobi is also passionate about thought leadership and knowledge sharing and has partnered with SODA for impactful thought leadership programs.
School of Decisive Advantage is the training arm of Gr8an and is aimed at giving organizations and individuals the ability to be THE CHOICE amongst alternatives.
We are simply happy to have him as one of our judges for this year’s MTN Y’ello Star Competition. Make sure you tune in to watch him.
Hilda Baci
Hilda Baci is a multi-talented TV producer, Actress, TV host and food connoisseur renowned for her creativity and innovative food plating techniques.
In 2019, the 25-year-old won the Starz awards for TV personality of the year. Her acting prowess landed her a major acting role as supporting lead in the critically acclaimed movie, Dreamchaser. The movie was later nominated for the AMVCA Multichoice Talent Factory Awards. Hilda has gone on to feature in other productions such as Sideways, Flatmates and A Walk on Water.
A graduate of Sociology from Madonna University, Hilda first appeared on our screens with the debut of a cooking segment on Rave TV’s flagship programme, Morning Rave. She currently hosts a nifty cooking show, “Dine on a Budget” which airs on DSTV Channel 189 where she engages celebrities on topical issues while taking them on a mouth-watering-dining experience. She has hosted celebrities and influential personalities including Chigurl, Uti Nwachukwu, Erica Nlewedim, Dj Neptune, Dj Obi, Sharon Ooja, Chef Fregzs, Lasisi Elenu, Mai Atafo, Ubi Franklin among others.
As a young girl, Hilda spent hours in the kitchen watching her mother build a successful catering service business. By learning delicious recipes, using authentic, seasonal, fresh ingredients, Hilda flamed her passion for cooking. She hosts the ‘In my Kitchen’ segment of Morning Rave on Rave TV. Her dedication to her craft is driven by the belief that everyone deserves a well-prepared meal. This led her to provide over 3,000 meals to less-privileged and vulnerable persons during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Hilda is most active on her Instagram page, @hildabaci, where she constantly shares snippets of her works and other passion points in her life. Hilda Baci will bring her usual sparkle to the Y’ello Star stage as a co-host of the live shows.
Judges
Banky W
Olubankole “Banky W” Wellington is a multitalented and prolific Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Filmmaker, Businessman and Philanthropist, who has evolved over the years into becoming one of the most versatile Media Moguls in Africa.
Banky’s Solo Music Catalogue consists of an impressive discography spanning over a decade as one of Africa’s most relevant, successful and in-demand musicians. His discography featuring projects like ‘Undeniable: The EP’, ‘Back In The Building’, ‘Mr. Capable’, ‘The W Experience’, ‘R&BW’, ‘Songs About U’ is stellar.
He served as Executive Producer and Lead A&R for WizKid’s 2011 highly acclaimed debut album, ‘Superstar’, Wizkid’s 2014 follow up ‘Ayo’, and the hit-filled Label compilation CD, ‘Empire Mates State of Mind’. Apart from Wizkid, Banky has also discovered other amazing talents like Skales, Niyola, and Shaydee. He was also highly influential in the discovery, introduction and development of the careers of producer, Masterkraft, and in-house Sound Engineer, Suka Sounds.
He is also a published writer, motivational speaker, MC, Media Agency Executive, Advertising/Marketing Specialist, restaurateur and philanthropist. He launched the “I am Capable” Scholarship Fund, and has played a crucial key role of many charitable initiatives, including “Enough is Enough” and “LightUpNigeria”.
Omawumi Megbele
Omawumi is a multiple award-winning recording act, who came to limelight in 2007 as a West African Idols contestant. She emerged as the first runner up. The 38-year-old has thrived and maintained consistency in the industry for over a decade and has released four critically acclaimed studio albums.
She has also dabbled into acting, starting with a role as on stage in the 2009 edition of the ‘V-Monologues’. She made her screen debut in 2010 with the high budget AMAA award-winning film, ‘Inhale’. She made her second appearance alongside Ice Prince, in the Ghanaian movie titled ‘House of Gold’.
In 2019, she leapt to venture into movie production as she joined forces with Waje to collaborate on a film project as co-producers. They acted in and released a movie titled, ‘She Is’. Just recently, she appeared in the highly acclaimed Netflix movie, ‘Oloture’.
Away from her art, Omawumi is also involved in philanthropy, especially her constant advocacy for women’s rights. She is an ambassador for Project Alert, which is geared towards eradicating all forms of violence against women and young girls. Omawumi and a couple of others in Nigeria take up the flag of breast cancer awareness within the operational confines of the Pink Pearl Foundation.
Omawumi is famed for the amazing voice that has earned her two Headies for Best Female Vocal Performance in 2009 and 2018. She joins Banky W and Malik Yusef as a judge on MTN Y’ello Star this year.
Malik Yusef
Malik Yusef, the WordSmyth, is an avant-garde Spoken Word Poet, Super Producer, Master Songwriter, and DJ—with timely lyrics that address and bring attention to national and global issues.Malik rose out of Chicago’s south side to become a 24x Grammy award-nominee, 6x Grammy award-winner, and 7x ASCAP award-winner for both pop and R&B. Other credits include Emmy, Peabody, and the Tony awards. Some of Malik’s early influences include Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, William Shakespeare, Haki Madhubuti, Malcolm X, and Phillis Wheatley.Malik co-wrote “Sandcastles” on Beyonce’s album Lemonade. He has featured on every Kanye West album since his career inception except on the album, Jesus is King. And as one of Kanye West’s most consistent collaborators, Malik has enjoyed numerous Platinum and Billboard Successes.Malik is signed to the world’s largest music publisher, Universal Music Publishing, and is affiliated with Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang. It is his pure talent, unparalleled work ethic, and ability to be a trusted advisor, that has allowed Malik to build and maintain incredible industry connections and relationships with the likes of JAY Z, Drake, Katy Perry, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, The Band Perry, Adam Levine and Desmond Child, to name a few.
Contestants
Oiza & Meyi
We are both fun-loving twins who are totally in love with music and enjoy an occasional dance battle now and again. We go by the stage name Oiza and Meyi and are graduates of Theatre Arts and Fashion Design respectively from the prestigious Ahmadu Bello university.
Storm
I am a versatile and omalleable vocalist. I am a very easy-going person. I also pay immense attention to details when it comes to anything I put my mind to. I have a knack for learning new things regardless of whether they can be applied or not.
Uzezi
My name is Emuophedaro Ochuko and my stage name is “Uzezi”. I attended the University of Lagos, and the college of medicine, and the University of Washington. I have an MBBS, Project Mgt. in Health. I made money from medicine and graphic design before the show.
I’m the second child and only girl of four children. I hate washing plates and dirty sinks. My musical inspirations are H.E.R, Jhene Aiko, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Jorja Smith.
I come from Delta state and I auditioned in Lagos. My zodiac sign is Virgo and I side-hustled as a graphic designer.
Melody
I am dark in complexion and average in height. I am partially introverted but I am free spirited and love to make friends and relate.
Rael
My name is Rael Gabriel, aka “Rael” and I’m 28 years old. I have a BSc. In Business admin from A.B.U Zaria, as well as a Pgd in Procurement and Supply chain management from Kaduna State University with an MBA program currently on hold at Kaduna State University. I’m interested in fashion design, travel, movies, sound engineering, music production, and learning music on a professional level. I’m the eldest of three children.
People usually dislike the fact that I’m very reserved and blunt. I hate doing chores, disorganization, clusters, and noise. I’m inspired by Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Beyonce.
I’m from Cross River state and I went to Kaduna State and auditioned there. I’m an Aquarius and I’d describe myself as “Enigmatic”.
Jesse D
My name is Jesse John and I’m known as “Jesse Drumz”. I’m 22 and I attended the SPAN school of contemporary & jazz music. I enjoy playing, making new friends, going out, and playing drums.
I worked as a sound engineer before the show. I’m the last of five kids. People might not like me because I’m constantly smiling and they say I’m proud in a humble way. I’m inspired musically by Cobhams Asuquo.
I’m from Plateau State and I auditioned for the show in Kaduna. I’m a Sagittarius and I’d describe myself as “Easygoing”.
Freeborn
I am an open-minded person, free spirited, down to earth and hate pretense. I say how I feel and let it pass. I am a lover of love. I give love everywhere I go and I love to do unto people what I want them to do to me.
G-Isaac
Godwin Okogun is a young man with a bright future who sees music as a major source of inspiration through reaches in to the world and expresses himself. Godwin hails from the southern path of the country (Nigeria) with his family of six; whose things are going smoothly and naturally. However, I, Godwin Okogun, believes that with music and its expression, life can be much better.
Gideon
My name is Adesipe Gideon and I’m 28 years old. I’m a Political science BSc holder from Redeemers University. I’m interested in music, video games, swimming, sleeping, chilling. I worked as a musical artiste before the show commenced. I have three siblings and I’m the third child.
People usually don’t like that I procrastinate and get angry easily. My pet peeves are pretenders, liars, and dirty people. I’m inspired by Tuface, Sam Smith, and John Legend.
I’m from Ogun state and I auditioned in Lagos state. I’m an Aquarius. My side hustle was performing at weddings and churches and if I were to describe myself in one word, it would be “Sonorous”.
FayFay Diamond
Sweet, easy going, motherly and fearless.
Dotti
I am mostly melancholic but my Sanguine nature comes to play when I’m on stage. I am a “proper Ibadan boy.” I studied Music Technology at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. I am a supporter of Arsenal Football Club. I also enjoy writing theme songs for brands and jingles for advertising.
David G
My name is David Garland and I’m 25 years old. I have a BSc in Economics from the University of Lagos. I like music, animals, travel, charity, and sleeping. Before the show, I worked as a restaurant manager. People often say I talk a lot and take a lot of alone time. Loud people, body odor, and dirty sinks annoy me.
Musically, I’m inspired by Sam Smith. I’m from Delta state and I auditioned in Lagos state. My zodiac sign is Leo and I style on the side. In one word, I’d describe myself as “BOOM”.
Ceasar
My name is Julius John; they call me “Caesar”. I’m 31 and I’ve got a B.a in Theatre and performing arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I’m avidly interested in music, business, fashion, acting, music production, and sound engineering. I used to sing and write songs as a hustle before the show.
I am the first of seven kids. People usually don’t like me because I’m introverted, blunt, and a perfectionist. Noise annoys me. I’m inspired by Cobhams Asuquo, Banky W, and Column Scott.
I’m from Kogi state and I auditioned in Jos, Plateau state. I’m a cancer and I side-hustled as business printing. I’d describe myself as “Spiritual”.
Dave Willz
I am a graduate of psychology from Covenant University. I believe in the importance of discipline and the necessary ethics to be a well-grounded person. I am an ambivert. I love meeting new people and I love the journey of experience.
Faculty members
Jean-Pierre Choulet
Director of Development & Vice Dean Africa Henley Business School UK
Jean-Pierre has over 25 years of experience at the executive level in Higher Education, with a strong focus on International Business Development. For the past 15 years, Jean-Pierre has been delivering programmes to mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs, including leading them successfully to the pitching level to trigger the investment they need to move to the next step. Jean-Pierre is also the Executive Director of the Reading Real Estate Foundation, massively supporting diversity, gender balance and social inclusion in Higher Education. Since 2017, Jean-Pierre has been leading Henley Business School’s development in West Africa, with a focus on Nigeria and Ghana.
Barry Van Zyl
Chair of the Henley Africa Alumni
Barry is a world-renowned musician with over 30 years’ experience in the creative sector, from performance and production to executive education, strategy and business development. Having toured the world for 21 years with South Africa’s most famous export, Johnny Clegg, and while working with artists like Annie Lennox, Carlos Santana, and Die Antwoord, Barry completed an MBA at Henley Business School and is now focused on the world of business, creativity and education. As the Chair of the Henley Africa Alumni community, Barry is leveraging Henley’s network of 80,000 alumni to build the brand in new territories, develop the offer in existing markets, and create innovative new revenue streams. Through his work with Henley Denmark, Barry is partnering with institutions like the Foundation for International Management Education (IME).
Stephen Budd
CEO Stephen Budd Management UK
Stephen is a British music industry executive and music manager based in London. He is a director of artist and producer management company Stephen Budd Music Ltd, the OneFest Festival, of Damon Albarn’s Africa Express project and is the co-founder of the NH7 Weekender festivals in India and the DMZ Peace Train Festival in Korea. He is a recognised TV commentator on music industry issues, regularly appearing on a variety of British TV news shows. He is a co-executive producer of Amnesty International and Sofar Sounds’ ‘Give A Home’ global concert series and created WarChild’s “Passport Back To The Bars” concert series. In June 2017 he completed his 3-year term as co-chairman of Music Managers Forum, the trade body for artist managers. For fun, he DJ’s African music of the 1970’s on WordWide.FM radio, festivals and clubs.
Jason Camelio
Assistant Vice President for Global Initiatives
Jason is a composer, arranger, songwriter, trombonist, guitarist, producer and global educational programs and partnerships developer. Recordings he has performed on include; Dweezil Zappa’s “Via Zammatá’, “Danilo Perez’s “The Panama Suite”; Stephen Webber’s “Stylus Symphony;” Chris Opperman’s “Chamber Music from Hell” and Fernando Huergo’s “Possibility of Change”.Jason has co-produced, written and performed on Phil Wilson’s “From the Vault, Vol. 1” and DÚBH’s “Atom Bomb”. As the assistant vice president for global initiatives at Berklee, Jason works with a range of creative and passionate people from educational, business and government entities; developing opportunities for skilled, talented and motivated performing artists to reach their career goals. Jason engages globally with top institutions, festivals and artists.
Ray Seol
Assistant Director of Global Initiatives – Systems Operations
Ray Seol joined Berklee after many years of working in the Hollywood film production and finance industry. As an award-winning jazz bassist and avid researcher, his work is to expand the idea of music performance as an innovative process to advance and accelerate human development, which may increase the condition of our lives. As a result, one of the recording projects he participated in was nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards. He earned his bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, a Master of Music in music technology from New York University, and a Master of Arts in arts administration from Columbia University. He is currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Northeastern University.
Roger H. Brown
President, Berklee College of Music
Roger is Berklee’s third president in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, the college created an international campus in Valencia, Spain; built its first ground-up custom facility, a state-of-the-art recording complex, and a dining hall/performance venue.
Brown has been recognized for his humanitarian, educational, and entrepreneurial achievements by the government of Valencia, Spain with the Cruz de Honor; by the March of Dimes Franklin Delano Roosevelt Humanitarian Award; and by being named, along with his wife, as a Visionary Social Entrepreneur at the 2012 Social Venture Network’s Hall of Fame Celebration. In 2019, he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Williams College and was honored at the Boston Arts Academy Foundation annual celebration to support BAA.
Panos Panay
Senior Vice President for Global Strategy and Innovation
Panos leads strategic initiatives at Berklee and is the founder of the Berklee Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship (BerkleeICE). He spearheaded the founding of the Open Music Initiative, which brings together more than 300 leading music, media, and technology industry organizations, and academic institutions focused on streamlining metadata and payment tracking for artists. Prior to Berklee, Panay was founder and CEO of Sonicbids, where he created the leading online platform for matching bands with music promoters, resulting in over 1 million new artist shows around the globe. His awards include Fast Company’s Fast 50, Inc Magazine’s Inc 500, and Boston Business Journal’s 40 under 40, and he’s a Mass Hi-Tech All Star. He was named one of the Boston Globe’s Game Changers in 2017 and is a frequent speaker at global events: World Economic Forum Davos, South by Southwest and Web Summit.
Philip Uzo
Music Director
Born on the 9th of January, Philip Uzo is a proficient music director, arranger, producer, academician, a
guitar virtuoso and pianist. He has directed quite a number of notable shows within the Nigerian music
industry including the renowned and prestigious Ajumogobia Science Foundation Christmas Memorial
Concert in 2014, the Woman Rising Concert and the MUSON Jazz Festival in 2015, Pepsi Rhythm
Unplugged 2017, as well as a collaboration with South African singer-songwriter Pilani Bubu.
He has also appeared on many stages Nationally and Internationally, including Jazz Minds in 2005, Copa
Cabana 2007, Drummers Collective Nigeria and Music on the Lagoon (2007), The Lagos International Jazz
Festival Alongside with UK Legend Courtney Pine 2008, the Lagos Jazz Series from 2010 to 2012, South
Africa World Cup 2010, the Glo CAF Awards in 2013 and 2014, NMVCA, Calabar Jazz Festival and the Life
House Jazz Salon in 2014, The Experience in 2009 and 2010, Le Centre Musical FGO- Barbara in Paris
2015 and many more.
Between all these he enjoys teaching Masterclasses at MUSON and Society of Performing Arts Nigeria‘s.
Gbemi O.Olagbegi
Mentor
Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi is a Nigerian broadcaster and presenter known for presenting programmes on Cool FM and The Beat 99.9 FM. She won on-air personality of the year at the 2008 Future Awards and, as part of Nigerian group The Unrulies, was nominated again at the 2009 awards; that year she also co-hosted the Future Awards ceremony with comedian Jedidiah. She is a celebrity model for Soul Mate hair products. She is currently program director for Naija FM 102.7FM, An indigenous radio station.
Gbemi was born on July 18, 1984 into the Olagbegi family in Owo, a city in Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria. She attended Pampers private school, Surulere, and Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Ojo. She also attended Queens college, Yaba before she proceeded to Oakland University, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She obtained a master’s degree in Media and Communication from Pan African University, Lagos State in 2009.
She won the future awards in 2008 for “On Air Personality of the Year”. She also won the ‘Dynamix award’ for Radio Presenter of the year in 2008. She also won the “Green Awards for Excellence” for the radio category that same year. In 2009, she won the “Exquisite Lady of the Year” award for “Best female radio presenter” and in 2010, she was nominated again for the “The Future Awards”
Videos
Gist
Gist
- How Primary School Dropout And Single Mother Of Three, Freeborn Binaebi Wants To Change The World With Music
- Jesse John: Gifted, Visually Impaired Nigerian Artiste Wants To Change The World With His Music
- “With Music Promotion, Creativity is Key” – Banky W
- Nigerians Celebrate Dotti After Impressive MTN Y’ello Star Win
- Who Won What At The First Season of MTN Y’ello Star
- From Y’ello Hub To New York: MTN Y’ello Star Top-six Set To Attend Berklee 2021 Summer Music Programme
- Y’ello Star Victory: How Dotti, Storm, And Gideon Emerge As Season One Top Three
- 5 Times Banky W Set Fashion Goals On MTN Y’ello Star
- 5 Looks That Made Us Fall In Love With Omawumi As A Y’ello Star Judge
- Hilda Baci’s Top 5 Outfits Of Y’ello Star First Season