D'Banj Explains How His Nigerian Idol Judging Will Differ From Seyi Shay's Harsh Method

The JUDGES on Nigerian Idol last season were a huge reason why people even knew about the program and tuned in to watch. Seyi Shay's very direct and often harsh style of judging made her and the show a trending topic for weeks. While her style of judging brought in viewership, it also brought a lot of backlash for the singer. Now that it's been announced that she'll no longer be a judge on the new season, people are wondering: who will be the "mean judge" this year?

Singer D'Banj was asked what his judging style would be this season and well, here's what he said.

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During an interview with The Independent, D'Banj was asked how he reacted when he got the call to be a Nigerian Idol judge. He said:

That was during the last quarter of last year and I was not in the country. I always check my schedule first to be sure of things, so I checked as always to see if it was the right time for me. I literally had mixed feelings because I had other plans but here I am today as one of the season’s judges. The mixed feelings were because I had to stay in one place. I’m always on the move. Usually, as an artiste, one minute you have one show here, one project and you are flying off. A show like this is tasking, you have to give your time be­cause it’s different from the ones that we usually do where they book you for a show and get you a flight ticket and in two hours you are done. Now you have to be committed to it. This is the first time that I am a judge on a reality show. It’s interesting.

When asked why he chose to participate in Nigerian Idol after all, he said:

First, because I’m a Nigerian. Sec­ondly, I think there is no better time due to the growth of the Nigerian music industry and it is important for us to embrace what God has giv­en us. This is a journey that we have been on for over a decade and to have the type of acceptance that the global world is giving today, it’s so important to grow the ones on ground and that is why there is no platform that is as perfect for me as the Nigerian Idol.

Finally, D'Banj was asked what kind of judge he would be? The interviewer said "You earlier mentioned that it is difficult for you to tell people no. How do you intend to cope during the show?". D'Banj said:

That’s easy. I know I said it’s hard for me to say no, but that’s why if you know yourself, you have to stand your ground. I believe that everyone deserves a chance in life. If you don’t encourage people, they won’t make it to the next level. So even though only one person would emerge winner; I believe that there are creative ways to turn people down, such that even when they are going home they are still happy. I can’t pass everybody but those that have to go back home, I think there are creative ways you can still pass your message that still leaves that visible hope.

Well, that doesn't sound like the Seyi Shay approach. I guess D'Banj does not plan on being the "mean judge" of the season. That leaves the battle between Obi Asika and Simi - who will it be? Or will there be no mean judge this season? What do you think? Will you miss Seyi Shay's harsh method of judging and who do you think could be the "mean judge" this season. My bet is on Simi. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment on my Jide Okonjo Facebook post.

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