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, 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.
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.”
DJ Switch came up next, garbed in a tight black trouser with black top to match. Her entry engendered a boisterous response from the crowd with her performance of Jay Z’s “Forever Young,” which was heavily spiced up with raps. In a mild drama, the contestant switched over backwards, precariously clutching the mic as she raps. Her stagecraft even drew a wider applause when she stepped down the stage to hug her mother, while still singing without losing concentration.
Reacting to her performance, 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.”
As Toolz invited the representative from Alexandra Forbes to the stage, she lingered a bit, teasing the audience as she twirled the green envelope containing the results in her hands.
“The first winner of the Glo X Factor West Africa is DJ Switch!” she announced as 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.”
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 next week.
The first runner-up was Eshun and she got the sum of N1m for her efforts, while Vicky, the second runner-up, also got N1m.