The 2023 Icons Music Reality Show organized by the Vision Africa Radio, Umuahia, has ended with 15 years old Mary Joseph, an SS3 student of Queen of Peace Secondary school Mbano,Imo state, as the winner of the show.
All ten contestants appeared at the grand finale of the 10th edition of Vision Africa Icons Music Reality show, that took place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Abia State, with beautiful Mary Joseph taking the day with her melodious voice,after defeating nine other contestants.
The young star who sang Whitney Houston’s “Look to You” in her first appearance, further electrified the audience with her own composition bordering on the theme of the event, “Let There Be Peace”. Everyone was thrilled by her exceptional performance, including the judges whom she won their hearts seamlessly.
It was indeed an evening of glitz, as guests were thrilled with melodious voices from both the contestants and guest artistes,including the popular reggae gospel icon,Buchi among others.
The Icons Music Reality Show which started a decade ago, was birthed by the founder,Vision Africa Road, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, as a way of discovering young talents in the music industry and as well,promoting peace by bringing together contestants from different tribes and regions.
In his opening remarks, the chairman on the occasion Rev Ojo Ojo Uduma,commended the Vision Africa for putting together the Icons Music Reality Show, which he stated has been a medium for the promotion of peace and the gospel.
According to him,the Vision Africa Radio has been at the forefront in pushing peace across Nigeria and urged everyone to put hands together to keep on supporting the move.
In his speech, the founder, Vision Africa Radio, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, described the theme for the 2023 Icons Music Reality Show, “Let There Be Peace”, to be apt, maintaining that peace is paramount to development.
He said there won’t be meaningful development in a place devoid of peace, adding that music can promote peace,which will in turn attract investors.
The Clergy further stressed the importance of living peacefully, congratulating the contestants on their efforts and urged them not to give up on their dreams, but harness their talents and skills.
The member representing Isuikwuato /Umunneochi Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Amobi Ogah, lauded the Vision Africa for the Icons Music Reality Show.
According to him, the theme of the program was timely, spiritual and powerful, particularly at a time when the peace of Abia state is threatened.
“At this point what we need in Abia is peace,God has started it already by giving us a Governor after His heart. We do not need distractions from opposition parties. “What are they coming to do after squandering the resources of the state?
“God has answered the prayers of Abians. Other parties should sheath their swords”,he said.
The Federal lawmaker further commended the organizers of the event which he rated as classic and exciting.
Also, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Abia state,Pastor Caleb Ajagba in his remarks, lauded the Vision Africa for the show which he said would help in discovering raw talents and turning potentials to be in line with God’s purpose.
The Chief of Staff,however, added that God brought Governor Alex Otti to salvage Abia from the ills of previous governments, urging Abians to remain calm and supportive,while God pilots the Governor in the right direction.
Shortly after the judges announced the winners, Mary Joseph was presented with a cheque of N500,000 as her prize, while the first runner-up, Victor Ngwakwe got a reward of N300,000, while the second runner-up, Miss Chidinma Aso, went home with N200,000.
In a brief remark, the winner of the 2023 Icons Music Reality Show, Mary Joseph expressed excitement over her victory,dedicating it to God Almighty that made it possible for her. “I am so excited to win and also knowing that I am the youngest icon among the 10 winners that this show has produced since inception.
“As a boarder, I didn’t know that I would still make it, considering that it became almost impossible for the organizers to contact me when I was shortlisted.
“Since I don’t have a cellphone, they were communicating with me through my teacher’s own.
“But thank God I made it, am so happy”,she reiterated.
