Nostalgic Unveiling of Gulder Ultimate Search Contestants

Vanessa Obioha

In more than one way, the unveiling of the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) contestants at Eko Hotels Convention Centre recently brought back memories of pre-pandemic times when people left their homes to attend events instead of watching via Zoom or Youtube. From the huge Galea helmet — symbolic of the Gulder brand — perched on the well-combed lawn, the artworks that donned the walls of the hallway, to the number of people who turned up at the venue with their stylish attires and masks, the ambience screamed pre-Covid era.

Taking the magic a step further, the organisers set up a mini-museum with memorabilia of previous editions close to the revolving doors of the Convention Centre. From the famous chest to the helmets, attendees had the opportunity to relive memories of the show that last aired in 2014.

The adventure however began once one stepped into the hall. The jungle look was captured through pots of plants lined up at the entrance. It was complemented by other accessories such as full suits of armour and a sculpted lion. But this jungle came with photo booths and a bar where guests enjoyed the newly filtered Gulder beer.

The night served as a double unveiling of the new Gulder beer and the contestants who would be fighting all manner of obstacles for three months to clinch the coveted grand prize of N50 million.

Hosted by actor Gideon Okeke, guests were treated to music, dance and a sumptuous dinner. Past winner Dominic Mudabai and previous taskmaster, veteran actor Bob Manuel-Udokwu were also present to talk about their reflections on the show. While the dance group Dance Na the Main Thing entertained guests with their energetic dance moves, the highlight of the night was the sheer joy of contestants who made it through the final screening process.

More than 20,000 entries were received by the organisers, out of which 20 learnt their fate at the event. At the end of the night, only 16 scaled through successfully. The remaining four were given a last chance through public voting. A voting link was open for 24 hours for fans to vote back two contestants. At the end of the day, Osasere Agbonile and Odudu Otu gathered more votes than Samson Abah and

Omoikhudu Emmanuel. They join Damola Johnson, Mfon Esin, Iniabasi Umoren, Tosin Eniola, Gerald Odeka, Samuel Ishmael, Tobechukwu Okoye, Emmanuel Nnebe, Jennifer Okorie, Chidinma Okeibe, Omokhafe Bello, Esitima Edem, Godswill Oboh, Olayinka Omoya, Damilola Odedina and Solomon Yankari for the survival reality TV show.

To spread the acceptability and appeal of the show across Africa, GUS organisers, Nigerian Breweries Plc, partnered with Africa’s leading entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, for the broadcast of the reality series. The show will air on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv channel 151), Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153) and Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2).

The edition themed ‘The Age of Craftsmanship’ will air twice weekly: Saturdays and Sundays, with repeats during the week, according to Corporate Affairs Director Sade Morgan. The show will begin airing on Saturday, October 16, to Sunday, December 19, 2021.