Kunle Ogunrombi, popularly known as K-Peace, has accused the organizers of Nigerian Idol of failing to pay his prize money.
The singer, who won Season 5 of the talent show in 2015, made these allegations during an interview on the Honest Bunch Podcast with Nedu Wazobia.
Speaking nearly a decade after his victory, K-Peace claimed he never received the cash prize or other rewards promised to him. In a viral video circulating on social media, he expressed his frustration and disappointment, stating that he left the competition empty-handed.
“I won, but I got nothing”
According to K-Peace, Nigerian Idol had publicly announced that he won ₦7.5 million, a brand-new car, and a two-week trip to Dubai. However, he said none of these prizes materialized.
“I walked out of Nigerian Idol with zero naira in my account,” he revealed. “They said I won ₦7.5 million, but when I asked about the money, they told me they were still branding the car.”
The singer also described the hardships he faced after winning the competition. Despite being crowned the winner, he struggled financially and had no means to support himself.
Surviving without support
K-Peace explained that he had to navigate Lagos without money for food or transportation. He attended interviews and public appearances, all while battling financial difficulties.
“As a Nigerian Idol winner, I had to walk all over Lagos for interviews with no food in my stomach,” he recalled. “They made a big announcement on national television, but I received nothing. I went through hell after winning the show.”
His revelation has sparked discussions online, with many questioning the integrity of reality shows in Nigeria. Fans and industry insiders have expressed their concerns over how talent competitions treat their winners.
Nigerian Idol’s controversies
Nigerian Idol, a popular music reality show, has faced criticism in the past over prize-related disputes. While the show provides a platform for emerging artists, controversies surrounding prize fulfillment have raised doubts about its credibility.
K-Peace’s claims have reignited concerns about transparency in talent shows. Many are now calling on the organizers to clarify the situation and ensure that winners receive their promised rewards.
As of now, Nigerian Idol organizers have not responded to the allegations. The silence has only fueled speculation, with many awaiting their official statement.
Calls for accountability
Fans and music lovers are urging organizers of Nigerian Idol to address the issue and uphold their promises. Some have suggested that past winners should come forward to share their experiences, while others believe regulatory bodies should step in to prevent similar cases in the future.
For K-Peace, the disappointment lingers. Winning a national competition should have been a life-changing moment, but instead, he found himself struggling to survive. His story serves as a cautionary tale for aspiring contestants, highlighting the need for greater transparency in talent competitions.
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