By Haroon-Ishola Balogun

The founder of Bowen Got Talent, BGT, and Alumni of Bowen University, Mr Rotimi Olorunfemi has reiterated commitment to promoting various talents in arts, music, dance, among other areas, adding that the effort will in no small measure, develop the arts and culture industry in the country.

Founded in 2014 by Rotimi Olorunfemi, BGT emerged from a desire to provide a stage for the hidden talents within Bowen University’s student body.

Olorunfemi said: “Bowen University, a citadel of knowledge, had so many talents who lacked a platform,” Olorunfemi stated, reflecting on his motivation. “This motivated me to birth the Bowen’s Got Talent show.”

“The tenth season lived up to the hype, boasting a grand prize of ₦300,000 and attracting sponsors like United Bank for Africa, Sycamore, Campus Giant, and Pizzazz Media. Student organizations also joined the cause, with Hanky Panky, TM Scent, and Walk in Style contributing their support.

Marking the momentous occasion, Season X introduced a first-of-its-kind Alumni Show. This segment brought back past BGT favourites and pioneers to witness the emergence of new stars. “Alumni filled the roles of judges, hosts, and guest performers, creating a truly euphoric atmosphere.“

The competition itself was fierce. From an initial pool, twenty contestants battled their way to the semi-finals, with only ten advancing to the grand finale on May 19th, 2024. A date that will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of Bowen’s creative minds, the finals saw Rano, a first-year medical student and skilled trumpeter, take home the coveted ₦300,000 grand prize. Tega, a second-year nursing student and captivating spoken word artist, secured the first runner-up position with a ₦200,000 reward. The King, a 400-level mass communication student who wowed the audience with his dance moves, earned the second runner-up spot and a ₦100,000 prize.

Beyond the winners, BGT Season X proved to be a star-making event for everyone involved. From the dedicated team led by Chairperson Cherish Daniel to the esteemed judges, talented guest performers, and the ever-enthusiastic audience, the spirit of creativity resonated throughout the competition.

“Bowen’s Got Talent has not only unearthed exceptional talents but has also fostered a vibrant creative community within the university. As Rotimi Olorunfemi proudly stated, “What started as a mere dream has gone on to become a lasting legacy.” Cheers to a decade of BGT, and may it continue to empower and celebrate the artistic brilliance of Bowen University for years to come!

Reacting to the just concluded event in Iwo recntly, Olorunfemi said: “Well, this year’s BGT was different from the previous ones because this year’s own marked the 10th anniversary of BGT which I founded as a student of Bowen University in 2014. It is my way of promoting various talents in arts, music, dance, etc, thereby contributing to the arts and culture industry in the country.

He promised that next year’s edition, will be bigger. “BGT has also got better by the year since its inception. My vision for BGT is to have it televised for everyone in the country to view and appreciate the amazing talents we have at Bowen University and the country at large. We also plan to open it up for the wider community where the University is located, to bridge the gap between the locals and the citadel of knowledge. “I thank the university management for their support over the years and the student leaders for taking it upon themselves to carry on the legacy established 10 years ago,” Olorunfemi said.

According to him, the sponsors included the United Bank for Africa, Sycamore, Campus giant and Pizzazz media. It was additionally sponsored by student organisations like Hanky Panky, TM Scent and Walk in Style.