‘Behind the Curtain: The Making of the FUZE Talent Show Success Story

Precious Ugwuzor

The FUZE Talent Show has rapidly established itself as a pivotal platform for Nigeria’s creative youth since its inception in 2022. Organised by Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, it caters to the vibrant 18 to 35 demographic, showcasing a diverse array of talents in music, fashion, technology, and dance.

This ingenuity goes beyond mere competition; it serves as a lively stage for emerging talents to gain visibility and recognition. Participants have the chance to network, fostering connections that can lead to collaborations and mentorship opportunities, vital for their career development.

By highlighting creativity and innovation, the FUZE Talent Show not only celebrates young talent but also paves the way for future career prospects, helping participants navigate their paths in the creative industries.

In the beginning…

At the heart of the Stanbic IBTC Pension Manager’s innovative approach was recognising Nigeria’s youths untapped potential and the numerous challenges in showcasing their talents. With a vision to bridge this gap, it introduced FUZE as an innovative platform to empower young creatives nationwide. The mission was clear: to provide support and encouragement; and facilitate opportunities for young talents to shine on a grand stage. At the launch press conference held at the Stanbic IBTC Blue Academy in Ikeja, Lagos, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, highlighted the organisation’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation amongst Nigerian youths, marking a new chapter in support for the creative industry.

According to Olumide, “At Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, we believe in the transformative power of creativity and innovation in driving economic and social progress. Our commitment to nurturing the ambitions of Nigeria’s young creatives through the Stanbic IBTC FUZE initiative reflects our dedication to being more than just a financial institution; we aim to support the young artistic talents shaping our culture and economy.”  

Audition process

Each season, the FUZE talent show takes great care to ensure its audition phase is perfectly designed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. This approach is pivotal in eliminating potential barriers for participants from various backgrounds. Aspiring entrants submit 60-second video clips showcasing their unique talents across multiple categories.

This method was selected to capture the diversity and richness of Nigeria’s talent pool, ensuring that every voice can be heard and recognised regardless of their location across the country. By adopting this democratised approach to its auditions, FUZE showcases its commitment to celebrating various talents. More than just a competition, the platform is a nurturing ground for the diverse artistic gifts harboured within Nigeria; paving the way for a richer cultural showcase.

FUZE Festival – Beyond just a talent show

FUZE Talent Show transcended the typical competition framework, evolving into a comprehensive cultural phenomenon. It wasn’t simply about discovering talents; it encompassed a more ambitious objective of creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. The event featured various attractions, including exhibitions, a market for creative goods, and live performances by emerging artists.

This innovative entertainment, empowerment, and engagement blend materialised into the FUZE Festival. This grand finale celebrated the participants’ journey and spotlighted Nigeria’s dynamic and rich cultural fabric. By morphing into a celebration of creativity, community, and culture, FUZE effectively transformed the narrative around talent discovery and support within Nigeria; heralding a promising horizon for the nation’s artistic and creative talents.

Empowering and connecting through the FUZE Marketplace

With the launch of FUZE 1.0 in 2022, the FUZE Marketplace was introduced. This innovative platform was conceived to bridge the gap between emerging entrepreneurs and potential buyers, serving as a dynamic space where various products could be showcased. The range of offerings included, but was not limited to, fashion pieces, artistic creations, lifestyle and wellness including food and drinks. This diversity provided local artisans and burgeoning entrepreneurs with a prominent stage to display their talents and an invaluable opportunity to interact and engage with a broader audience.

The purpose of the FUZE Marketplace extended beyond simple commercial transactions. It aimed to foster a lively and thriving community where individuals could unite in a shared creativity and innovation space. By doing so, it sought to nurture an environment that encouraged collaboration, inspiration, and mutual support among creators and innovators.

This initiative was a cornerstone in fulfilling FUZE’s overarching mission to cultivate a supportive ecosystem beneficial for the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative industries. The FUZE Marketplace was critical in driving economic activity and promoting cultural enrichment and innovation within the community by empowering local talents and providing them with the tools and platform to succeed.

The Rising of FUZE Talent Hunt Show

Since its inception, the FUZE Talent Show has rapidly established itself as the quintessential platform for young Nigerian creatives looking to showcase their abilities. Spanning various disciplines, including music, fashion, technology, and dance, FUZE has solidified its stature as a prestigious avenue for talent, setting lofty expectations from the outset. These expectations have been met and surpassed, especially with the launch of FUZE 2.0, offering participants an even more refined and expansive stage to display their skills. Throughout its seasons, FUZE has demonstrated a dedication to discovering and illuminating exceptional talent, providing them with avenues for recognition and success.

The inaugural winners of FUZE 1.0 received a cash prize of N32 million alongside invaluable mentorship sessions with seasoned industry professionals. This tradition highlights the initiative’s profound commitment to identifying, celebrating and nurturing innate talent; establishing a benchmark for all subsequent editions. FUZE 2.0, the second edition also recorded 12 FUZE Talent Show winners with a total prize money of N32 million.

The show has embarked on its third edition and is scheduled to air episodes of the Talent Show journey from Saturday 02 November on Africa Magic Showcase (5:00-6:00pm), AIT (7:00-7:55pm), and Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel.

As the narrative of the Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers FUZE Talent Show unfolds with every season, FUZE cements its place as a vital conduit for blossoming talents eager to hone their skills, engage with broader audiences, and play a pivotal role in enriching Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscapes.

The FUZE Talent Show 3.0 has officially kicked off, igniting excitement as it embarks on another exhilarating journey. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have started filing their entries to participate in the FUZE Marketplace to get involved. These businesses can participate by registering to sell their products or services at the FUZE Marketplace. Interested companies can sign up using the provided link here. 

As the event organisers prepare, excitement continues to grow among the audience and the participants. This year, again, episodes from the Talent Hunt booth camp will be broadcasted on cable and terrestrial television, giving viewers a firsthand look at Nigeria’s vibrant and diverse talent landscape. There is a palpable excitement for the grand finale, where winners will walk away with their share in the grand prize money of N50 million. 

FUZE 3.0 is more than just a competition. From FUZE Talent Show to FUZE Marketplace and FUZE Festival, this year’s season will be celebrating the spirit of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement yet again.

CAPTION:

The judges of the FUZE Talent Show and some top executives of Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers