Three rising Nigerian disc jockeys have won major cash prizes in a talent competition hosted by Fidelity Bank Plc, in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Baobab Microfinance Bank. The event, held at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos, reflects the increasing private-sector backing for Nigeria’s fast-growing creative industry.
After two days of intense competition, DJ Bamz (Ojo Ogunsakin) emerged as the overall winner, receiving a grand prize of ₦1 million. DJ Shegz (Oluwasegun Ikoya) and DJ Frizzy (Oluwaferanmi Olamide) secured the first and second runner-up positions, earning ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank, said the initiative is part of the bank’s broader goal to empower young talents in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. He highlighted the Creativerse platform at the bank’s SME Hub as a space for creatives to receive training, network, and access essential resources.
“Our partnership with SMEDAN and Baobab MFB supports the next generation of entertainers and entrepreneurs. We’re committed to building structures that allow talent to grow into sustainable businesses,” he stated.
SMEDAN’s Acting Director of Partnerships and Coordination, Prof. Yinka Fisher, emphasized the potential of Nigeria’s youthful population to transform the economy. He noted that through initiatives like this, young creatives are being equipped with the tools and market access needed to thrive in the digital economy and under frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The event also included a mentorship session with DJ Toh Bad (Sodiq Yusuff) and a capacity-building workshop led by SMEDAN Director General Charles Odii, reinforcing the program’s focus on both talent and entrepreneurship development.
DJ Bamz, the grand prize winner, expressed his gratitude and ambition, stating that he plans to reinvest the prize money to grow his DJ brand beyond Nigeria. “This is a game-changer for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity and will use the funds to take my craft to the next level,” he said.
The competition signals growing corporate interest in Nigeria’s creative sector and a shift towards economic models that leverage the skills and innovation of the country’s youth.
