CITIZENS COMPASS— In what has been described as a convergence of talents and purpose, popular gospel singer, entrepreneur, and visionary, Dr. Mrs. Ajoke Olufunmilola Ogunsan popularly known as Dr. Ajokesings is setting a new benchmark in Nigeria’s Gospel music scene with the SPAW Talent Quest 2025.
The gospel music competition is designed not merely to discover voices, but to nurture destinies, Trek Africa Newspaper can report.
Speaking at a world press conference in Lagos which held the post-Grand Finale, Dr. Ajokesings explained that the SPAW Talent Quest initiative was born from her three-decade-long journey into gospel music ministry alongside her intense desire to raise a new generation of gospel musical stars. “This is a vision that God put in my heart to bring young people together, those who have talent in music and help them showcase their God-given talent to the world,” she said.
“This project is not just a talent show, but a kingdom-driven transformative platform designed to nurture raw potentials and project it into the purpose which will serve the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The contest, which drew 100 participants from across Nigeria including Sokoto, Delta, and Kwara states at the initial stage, was whittled down to 50 contestants which was later shortlisted to 10 finalists after a rigorous selection process led by judges and coaches.
Vocal coach, Godwin Omooba who is also one of the judges at the grand finale said the screening focused on vocal dexterity, stage presence, and technical excellence. “From the 10, it even became more difficult because they were all equals,” he noted. “But we had to find the best among equals so we had to add more criteria the contestants were amazing.”
The competition’s top honours went to Praise Moses, Dharmie Hilz, and Isioma Charles, who emerged as the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up respectively. They obtained the instant cash transfers of NGN 750,000, NGN 500,000 and NGN 350,000 respectively at the press briefing. Also the remaining 7 finalists were rewarded with a surprise NGN 100,000 gift by the convener, Dr. Ajokesings. They also signed a music mentorship contract to legalize their participation on the project. Their gratitude was palpable. “This platform didn’t just let us sing and go home, It allowed us to experience what it means to undergo training and mentorship” said winner Praise Moses who spoke on behalf of the top 10 finalists.
Reverb Studios’ representative, Mariam Haruna, announced a robust mentorship package for the seven finalists, ‘once in three months, free studio sessions will be done for each and everyone of you, that is twice in 6 months. We will give you a 4-hour time space to rehearse. Training and mentoring will be done as well,” she told them. For the two runners-up “two months of free studio sessions that will be done in six months. So you can come three times for your rehearsal sessions. So you will be having your training and mentoring as well. Dr. Ajokesings wants to teach you how to hold yourself in society.”
For the winner, Praise Moses, Haruna announced: “You are going to be coming back with us. You will have the production of your own musical single at our studio. Six months training and mentoring will be given to you.”
The Manager of Dr. Ajokesings Productions Ltd., the organization behind the idea of SPAW Talent Quest, Mr. Adetunji Alabi, affirmed plans to expand the project beyond Lagos into Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. “Dr. Ajokesings stands for support, she cares about people, she would not want to bring people all the way on the road, you know how Nigeria is because of security” he said.
“For Dharmie Hilz, it’s not that you must compulsorily come from Kwara State to Lagos. We’ll make it very flexible for you as much as possible while prioritizing safety and mentorship.”
The General Manager of Executive Hotel & Suites, one of the major partners of the initiative, Mr. Adebayo Adekunle hailed Dr. Ajokesings’ commitment to youth empowerment through music. “She has a passion for developing young talents. We are very glad that you have chosen to glorify God with the talent He has given you. I want to encourage you that as you become bigger and bigger, you will not forget God that started with you and you will also give back to the society,” he advised.
As the press briefing concluded and gratitude filled the air, it was clear that SPAW Talent Quest is not just an event but a movement to reshape the landscape of Christian music in Nigeria.
