TomTom, the popular candy brand, recently concluded the Agege leg of its “Breathe Through It (BTI) Verse Challenge,” a talent competition aimed at empowering young musicians and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills. The competition, held at the Amoo Football Pitch in Agege, Lagos, on May 10th, witnessed an overwhelming turnout of over 100 aspiring artists, each vying for the coveted prizes and recognition. The event was a testament to the brand’s commitment to nurturing grassroots creativity and providing opportunities for young talents to thrive within the vibrant Nigerian music scene.
The “BTI Verse Challenge,” themed “Barz on Wheelz,” is designed as a talent discovery tour across various locations in Lagos, with Agege being the latest stop. The competition’s format allows young artists to demonstrate their lyrical prowess, creativity, and authenticity through rap performances. The judges, comprising renowned figures in the music industry like afro-street artist Small Doctor, rap act Candy Bleakz, and John Paul, a Music Director at the Catholic Church, Isolo Deanery, were tasked with evaluating the contestants’ performances based on their originality, stage presence, and lyrical dexterity.
The Agege edition of the competition showcased an exceptional display of talent, making the judges’ decision particularly challenging. The intense competition and the exceptional quality of the performances led TomTom to deviate from the usual practice of selecting a single winner. Instead, two exceptionally talented individuals, Lukuman “Leekee” Kamilu and Haruna “Dannyboi” Mohammed, were recognized for their outstanding performances. This decision underscores TomTom’s commitment to supporting and promoting exceptional talent, even if it means breaking from established norms.
Leekee, who emerged as the overall winner, was awarded a cash prize of N1 million, along with a six-month supply of TomTom candy bars and a coveted spot at the TomTom Breathe Academy, a creative mentorship and brand-building platform designed to nurture and develop young artists. The Breathe Academy provides participants with access to industry experts, workshops, and other resources to hone their skills and navigate the complexities of the music industry.
Dannyboi, the first runner-up, was also handsomely rewarded with a cash prize of N300,000, a six-month supply of TomTom candy bars, and access to the TomTom Breathe Academy. The recognition of both Leekee and Dannyboi as winners highlights the exceptional talent pool that exists within the Nigerian music scene and reinforces TomTom’s commitment to fostering and celebrating that talent. The dual win is a testament to the brand’s belief in nurturing multiple talents simultaneously, thereby enriching the musical landscape.
The Agege event was a resounding success, generating significant buzz and excitement within the local community. The large turnout of contestants and the high energy performances created a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement throughout the competition. The judges were impressed by the depth of talent and originality on display, lauding the contestants’ ability to connect with the audience through their music. The event served as a platform not only to identify promising talent but also to inspire other young artists to pursue their dreams within the creative industry.
TomTom’s commitment to supporting young musicians extends beyond the “BTI Verse Challenge.” The brand has consistently demonstrated its support for the arts through various initiatives, recognizing the importance of music in shaping culture and providing a voice to the next generation. The “Barz on Wheelz” tour continues its journey across Lagos, with upcoming events scheduled for Oshodi on May 17th and Ikorodu on May 24th. These events promise to unearth more hidden gems within the vibrant Lagos music scene, providing aspiring artists with a platform to showcase their talent and potentially launch their careers. The tour is a testament to TomTom’s dedication to supporting grassroots creativity and investing in the future of Nigerian music.
