Musical tourism will enhance Nigerian cultural values —Femi Akinrinwa

The light of tourism in Nigeria shines brilliantly with entertainment. In enhancing Nigeria’s cultural orientations and values through musical tourism, Ijakandi Family Entertainment (IFE) in conjunction with stakeholders and practitioners in the music industry, have decided to host a special talent hunt in Nigeria with the tag ‘Talent Hunt Naija’. The auditioning is strictly based on fairness, which the test of time will prove right.

The talent hunt aims to be a Nigeria’s top travel show, because there is a need to set a new standard in developing tourism in the country. This hunt is not just for the promotion and exhibition of the contestants, it aims to be a platform in rebranding Nigeria for tourism purposes, because hopefully the hunt will stoke tourism traffic in Nigeria and America respectively.

According to Femi Akinrinwa, Director of Ijakandi Family Entertainment, who revealed this in a press conference held in November at Option 24 Seven in Ibadan, that the talent hunt aims to get the best among the contestants to travel to America in order to promote indigenous African music and to invite musical icons and promoters to Nigeria.

He pointed out that the talent hunt is to encourage and promote the indigenous musicians and their music. “The finalists are to be taken to the United States of America for a musical tour. This is to preach the unique aesthetics of African music.

Mr Akinrinwa revealed: “Talent Hunt Naija” is a kind of talent hunt show that will allow all contestants from different parts of the country to display their talents irrespective of their differences. At the end of the contest, we believe all contestants will agree that this show is totally different from whatever they might have seen or heard.

“The auditioning is strictly based on fairness, which the test of time will prove right. The determination of Talent Hunt Naija is to make sure that all contestants are happy with the audition.

“No contestant will be sent home without a good and proper screening. This is not a kind of reality show where contestant will not have a second chance. Every contestant is important to us.”

He concluded: “Apart for showcasing the country’s talents for tourism purpose, the event is created to promote Nigeria and Nigerians simultaneously.”