By Ayomide Otitoju
The third season of the FUZE Talent Show, themed ‘Light it Up,’ concluded on Saturday, December 21, 2024, with a spectacular finale at the Livespot Entertarium in Lekki, Lagos. The event, organized by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, showcased Nigeria’s brightest young talents and awarded a record-breaking ₦50 million in prizes.
The grand finale featured outstanding performances across music, dance, fashion, and technology, captivating a lively audience and millions of viewers via live-streaming platforms.
In a remarkable display of talent, Esther Okonta emerged as the winner in the Fashion category, Grace James in Tech, Caleb Edet Tremor in Music, and Benedict Emmanuel in Dance. Each winner received ₦7.5 million, along with industry exposure and mentorship opportunities.
Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, praised the event’s success, saying, “FUZE 3.0 has exceeded our expectations in every way. The talent displayed by our contestants is extraordinary, reinforcing our belief in the immense potential of Nigerian youths. This platform continues to nurture and showcase the nation’s creative prowess.”
The competition, which began with over 6,000 submissions, saw four finalists emerge from regional auditions in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Benin. After a rigorous selection process involving the Stanbic IBTC Events App and website, 28 exceptional participants advanced to a bootcamp, with the most outstanding talents making it to the finale.
The FUZE Festival, marking the culmination of the talent hunt, celebrated creativity and innovation. Attended by industry leaders, celebrities, and dignitaries, the event solidified its reputation as a premier platform for emerging talents. This year’s festival recorded over 10,000 participants, surpassing the 8,000 participants of the previous edition.
With plans already underway for the fourth season in 2025, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young talents. Aspiring contestants are encouraged to stay tuned for announcements regarding FUZE 4.0.
