ABU Hosts Soundcity OnTour as BIGI, Fearless Seek Nigeria’s Next Music Stars

By Adebola Muili

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, is set to host Soundcity OnTour as the nationwide music and talent discovery programme brings live entertainment and a ₦1 million campus prize to the university.

The three-day activation, scheduled for August 18 to 20, is being sponsored by BIGI and Fearless Energy Drink, brands of Rite Foods Limited, as the tour continues its search for emerging Nigerian music talents across university campuses.

According to a statement issued by Media Executive, Adejoke Salami, the Zaria activation is the 15th stop on the 20-campus tour, which is taking a free, high-production concert experience to universities across Nigeria from June to October.

The statement said the programme goes beyond entertainment by providing student artistes with an opportunity to progress from campus performances to national recognition through the BIGI Music talent discovery platform.

It explained that the first day would feature campus activities and build-up events, while student artistes would participate in live BIGI Music auditions on the second day.

The Top Five performers from the auditions will earn an opportunity to perform on the concert stage, with the overall campus winner receiving a ₦1 million cash prize.

The competition, however, extends beyond the campus level, as winners from the various university stops will proceed to regional battles, where judges and social engagement will determine the acts that qualify for the national stage.

According to Salami, two eventual national winners will receive full studio production, A&R mentorship led by Bankulli, guaranteed Soundcity Radio rotation and professionally produced music videos.

She said the initiative was designed to give emerging artistes more than a brief moment in the spotlight, providing them with opportunities for professional development and national exposure.

The statement added that the major concert would hold on the third day at ABU, featuring Nigerian artistes including Falz, Magnito, Firstklaz, Hypeman Best and DJ Dewik.

It said the tour also provides Rite Foods Limited, makers of BIGI and Fearless Energy Drink, an opportunity to connect with young Nigerians through music, creativity and campus culture.

“Every university produces a winner, but the strongest talents have a chance to keep going,” the statement said, underscoring the talent-discovery component of the initiative.

From Zaria, Soundcity OnTour will proceed to its remaining university stops before concluding in Abuja in October.

For students of ABU, the organisers said the event could provide a platform for an emerging artiste to move from performing before fellow students to securing a pathway towards national recognition.