How DJ Switch Won Glo X Factor N24m

•DJ Switch (left) being presented with the N24m cheque from Globacom by the company’s Group Executive Director, Mrs Bella Disu

•DJ Switch (left) being presented with the N24m cheque from Globacom by the company’s Group Executive Director, Mrs Bella Disu

Nigeria’s sensational rapper, Obianuju Catherine Udeh, popularly known as DJ Switch, who was crowned Africa’s first X Factor winner on Saturday, has attributed her success to hard work and prayer.

“I work hard and I pray hard,” she said, moments before she was declared winner.

She beat Nigeria’s Vicky Gomoti and Ghana’s Ethel Eshun in the last round of voting to claim the Globacom’s N24million cash prize and a recording contract with Sony Music.

The 29-year-old Geology graduate of the University of Port Harcourt and a native of Udi in Enugu State was declared winner at the grand finale of the show held at Dream Studios, Bamako Street, Omole, Lagos. Before the results were announced, tension had reached the peak. “It has been incredible. The crew, my fellow judges and the contestants have all been wonderful,” said rap star and X Factor Judge, M.I.

“I am so excited that I brought my wife with me so we can both be excited together. It has been a beautiful journey; I can’t wait to see who will walk away with the money,” Ghana’s Dancehall star, Reggie said.

Music icon, Onyeka Onwenu,  told Toolz, the show host, of her expectation: “I was so excited; I brought my Bible along with me. At this stage, I think the last three contestants have all won.”

•DJ Switch (left) being presented with the N24m cheque from Globacom by the company’s Group Executive Director, Mrs Bella Disu
•DJ Switch (left) being presented with the N24m cheque from Globacom by the company’s Group Executive Director, Mrs Bella Disu

DJ Switch, garbed in a tight black trouser with black top to match, had earlier stormed the stage to perform Jay Z’s hit song “Forever Young.” Her performance, heavily spiced with rap lines, saw her dramatically switched over backwards and clutching the microphone without losing balance. This stagecraft wizardry drew wider applause from the studio audience.

Reacting to this performance, M.I 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.”

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.”

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And then came the final moment as Toolz invited the Alexandra Forbes’ representative to the stage for the result of the final votes, the contestants held hands together as they anticipated the results that would change the lives of one of them forever.

She lingered a bit, teasing the audience as she twirled the green envelope containing the results in her hands. She later announced DJ Switch as the winner with the crowd erupted in jubilation.

“How do you feel?” Toolz asked Eshum. She answered, “Fortunately, the Lord did what He wanted to do, and I’m happy for that.”

On her part, Vicky said:, “I want to thank Glo for this platform, and I think DJ Switch deserved to win.”

Thereafter, DJ Switch performed her single, “Safe Landing” which is billed for release this week.

As the winner takes her winning cheque, Globacom, the sponsors of the Africa’s biggest reality show, also rewarded the other runners-up, Eshun and Vicky, with the sum of N1m each for their efforts.

The excitement of the grand finale was heightened with wonderful performances from delectable Alexandra Burke, 2008 UK X Factor winner; Efya, Ghana’s Afro Soul diva and Glo ambassador, and Nigeria’s Flavour Nabania.

DJ Switch, who currently resides in Abuja, was a member of Da Pulse, a band that won the 2009 edition of STAR QUEST music talent show and later duet American rap star, Busta Rhymes on the song “So Tey”. She also featured on Weird MC‘s 2011 song “Da Paper Song”.

—Funsho Arogundade

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