Nigerian Idol: Francis’s and Kingdom’s best performances

No one can fault Kingdom and Francis Atela getting to the Nigerian Idol season finale. They have consistently been the best performers from day one. Kingdom memorably led Seyi Shay to tears, and Francis’s gorgeous voice, which Obi Asika described as a lethal weapon, made everyone listen.

This Sunday, they battle to win Nigerian Idol as better performers who have improved their craft in weeks gone by. Kingdom, who’s usually shy on stage, now rocks it like a pro. It isn’t just his voice anymore; his stagecraft is better. Francis’s storyteller voice is more believable and his stage presence, although never rudimentary, is improved.

Here are some of the best performances to remind you why you kept them in the competition to this moment.

Francis’s Writing on the Wall

Francis became an instant favourite when he breezed through Sam Smith’s Oscar-winning Writing on the Wall; a song Smith describes as “horrible to perform”.

Kingdom’s It’s A Man’s World

Kingdom excels with technical songs: the more riffs and runs, highs and low, the more he comes alive. A good example is this performance of James Brown’s It is A Man’s World that left Asika dumbfounded.

Francis’s Pray for Me

Darey’s Pray for Me is a cautionary tale about a father’s fears and the naïve bravery of a child, and Francis found a way to make the message more poignant. The characters and their fears came alive, and he looked majestic, telling the story.

Kingdom’s Gentleman

Kingdom can be stage shy; he does not move around or own the stage like Akunna or Francis, but Fela’s Gentlemen kicked that shyness away. He looked the most comfortable as he croons, “I no be gentleman at all.”

Francis’s Sexual Healing

Who knew Francis could sway and whine until this Marvin Gaye classic came his way? It’s also the judges’ favourite performance from him.

Kingdom’s The Lion Sleeps

Kingdom showed his versatility with this performance of Lebo M’s iconic soundtrack for the original Disney’s The Lion King.

Francis’s I Will Always Love You

Most singers in a competition shy away from technical songs like Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You. Not Atela. He wants songs that will challenge him, and he always does them justice.

Kingdom’s Feeling Good

This performance had the judges on their feet and waxing lyrical about Kingdom. DJ Sose even predicted he would be in the final three. Seyi Shay said she wouldn’t be surprised if he won – that’s how good it was. Enjoy!

Stream the Nigerian Idol S6 finale this coming Sunday evening, 11 July 2021, live on Showmax.