Sensational rapper Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, has been crowned Africa’s first X Factor winner. The 29-year-old geology graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and native of Udi in Enugu State, was declared winner at the grand finale of the show held at Dream Studios, Bamako Street, Omole, Lagos. She beat the two other finalists Ethel Eshun and Vicky Gomoti in the last round of voting to win Globacom’s N24 million cash prize and a recording contract with Sony Music. Before the announcement of the results, the expectation of audience, judges and contestants alike had built to a crescendo as everybody waited anxiously to find out who the first X Factor winner in Africa would be.
The suspense was to last even longer as Glo ambassador from Ghana, Efya, came on stage for a wonderful performance that had the audience applauding rapturously twice. Shortly afterwards, 2008 UK X Factor winner, delectable Alexandra Burke, got the hall on its feet with a resounding applause for a great performance of her hit track, Halleluyah. She was later joined on stage by the three finalists, DJ Switch, Eshun and Vicky as they all spectacularly chorused the song together. Nigeria was also well represented as “Shake” and “Ada Ada” crooner, Flavour, came onstage next to thrill guests with a scintillating performance. He proved why he was a crowd favourite as the audience rose to their feet to dance along with him. After Flavour’s performance, the contestants came out to sing the songs they sang at the audition stage.
Vicky led the performances, and she got a standing ovation from the three judges. Onyeka said “She has grown from a pupa to a butterfly. She sang with confidence and inner joy. I had goose pimples just listening to her. I have no doubt that she’ll make it. May God bless you”. Reggie added, “You just proved to us that our work has not been in vain,” while MI said, “Wow, Vicky is just so amazing. You are absolutely stunning. The way you’re radiating joy; don’t keep it to yourself, please, share it with the world.”
Next was DJ Switch whose performance of Jay Z’s “Forever Young,” held the audience captive especially when while rapping, she stepped down the stage to hug her mother without losing concentration. MI said, “Switch, people scream when you perform because you inspire us all. When you came for the audition, I felt you tried. I had already made up my mind that you wouldn’t make it to my final three mentees, but you changed my mind. Everybody here needs to know that no matter what people say about you, it doesn’t matter as long as you fight.” he concluded. Reggie gushed, “DJ Switch, you are inspirational; you excite me. My children love you; everybody loves you!” As for Onyeka, she opined, “Unlike the other judges, the moment you stepped on stage, I knew you had it.”
Eshun was the next to perform, and she pulled out all the stops as she shimmered in her green attire. “One of the best things on this program is that I got to mentor Vicky and Eshun. She is exquisite, beautiful, gorgeous and talented. She walks onto the stage and lights it up. You have something that is very special. No matter what happens here, you have me permanently in your camp. You will take the world by storm!” Onyeka declared. MI said, “You are a perfect example of what this show is all about. You epitomises everything X Factor stands for. You’ve been one of my favourites.” Her Ghanaian compatriot, Reggie, said, “My story with my sister is different. We come from the same place and people expect me to give her a pass. It often seems as if I’m tough on you, but look at where you stand now. You have done well!”
Then the climax! The contestants held hands together as they anticipated the results that would change the lives of one of them forever. “The first winner of the Glo X Factor West Africa is DJ Switch!” Toolz announced as the crowd erupted in jubilation. Expressing her joy, she said “Fortunately, the Lord did what He wanted to do, and I’m happy for that.” And she thereafter performed her single, “Safe Landing” which is billed for release next week.
The two runner-ups, Eshun and Vicky also got the sum of N1m each for their efforts
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