The TomTom Breathe Through It Verse Challenge – Barz on Wheelz, a talent hunt program sponsored by the makers of TomTom menthol candy, concluded its Lagos tour with a resounding finale in Ikorodu. The four-week program, designed to unearth and celebrate young talent, culminated in an electrifying outdoor event at the Ikorodu Town Hall open field. The competition showcased the power of lyrical expression and resilience among the youth, drawing a diverse pool of aspiring artists eager to share their stories and skills. The Ikorodu event served as the capstone to a city-wide tour that underscored the importance of community engagement and empowerment through creative platforms.
The Ikorodu finale witnessed a fierce lyrical battle amongst over 95 contestants, ultimately narrowing down to a captivating showdown between two remarkable talents: Rasheed Kune, known as Raskapella, and Abednego Jacob, known as Abednego Noris. Abednego Noris, a visually impaired performer, delivered a profoundly moving and skillful performance, capturing the hearts of the audience and judges alike. Despite Noris’s powerful performance, Raskapella’s commanding stage presence, authentic flow, and lyrical depth ultimately won over the judges, securing him the coveted title. Raskapella’s victory earned him a N1 million cash prize, a six-month supply of TomTom candy, and a prized spot in the TomTom Breathe Academy.
The TomTom Breathe Academy is a virtual learning platform designed to equip the winners with essential tools for building sustainable careers in the creative industry. This program provides free online classes focusing on critical areas such as the business of music, content creation, and personal brand development. It represents a significant investment in the winners’ futures, offering them guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of the competitive music and content industry. The academy represents an extension of the competition’s commitment to empowering young talent, providing them with practical skills and knowledge to translate their passion into tangible career paths.
Abednego Noris, while not securing the top spot, received overwhelming recognition for his exceptional performance and perseverance. He was awarded a N300,000 consolation prize, a gesture met with enthusiastic applause and a heartfelt ovation from the audience and fellow contestants. This moment epitomized the spirit of inclusion and inspiration that the TomTom Breathe Through It Verse Challenge champions, celebrating not only talent but also resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The recognition further underscores the program’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where all participants feel valued and empowered.
The Ikorodu finale was judged by a distinguished panel comprising influential figures in the music industry and the local community. Afro-street music icon Small Doctor, rap star Candy Bleakz, and Okematti Azeez Adebola, the Welfare Director of the Ikorodu-Oga Development Association, brought their diverse expertise to the judging process. Their collective insights ensured a balanced assessment of the contestants, considering street authenticity, industry knowledge, and community relevance. This diverse panel reflected the competition’s commitment to recognizing talent within a broader social and cultural context.
The Ikorodu event marked the culmination of a successful tour across various Lagos neighborhoods. The journey began in Yaba, where Lam Young captivated judges with his narrative-driven verses. The competition then moved to Agege, where Leekee emerged as the champion and Dannyboi earned special recognition as the runner-up. The tour reached a historic milestone in Oshodi, with Kamsiyochukwu Uchechukwu, known as Kamsi Vanilla, becoming the first female winner of the challenge. Each leg of the tour highlighted distinct voices and talents within the diverse landscape of Lagos, showcasing the rich tapestry of creative expression across the city. With the conclusion of the tour, the focus now shifts to the TomTom Breathe Academy, where all winners will embark on a journey of mentorship and virtual learning, equipping them with the skills to navigate the pressures of the creative industry and build lasting impact. This post-competition support reinforces the program’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing ongoing development opportunities for the winners.
