Geoffrey Oki, the winner of MTN Project Fame (Season seven), has lamented that talent show winners usually struggle to find expression in the industry after winning reality shows.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, the singer said, “I feel this is something reality show organisers should look at. If you notice, most of the winners of reality shows struggle when it comes to finding expression in the industry.
“Probably because of the one or two years’ contract they have after the show, they don’t get to have prospective investors that will work with them.
”Geoffrey also urged organisers of such shows to ‘soften’ the contracts given to winners, so that other people can work with them. He added, “I feel they should look at how they can soften the contracts a little bit, so that other people can have access to them.
“For someone like me, I went through a lot after winning the show. It has been crazy. There were days I had no money to eat, and I couldn’t pay to transport myself around. I have even been suicidal. God has been the one helping me.”
The singer, however, stated that though there were challenges, participating in Project Fame has been a blessing not a curse to his career. He said,
“It has been more of a blessing for me because if I did not participate in that show, I won’t be where I am today. I feel it was a fast track for me to come into the industry.
“I won’t use the word ‘curse’ but it has been challenging. It could be tough when a lot is placed on one’s shoulder, because to whom much is given, much is expected.
Many people were expecting me to do certain things, but at the end of the day, I feel like I did not meet up to expectations. Financially, I did not have sponsors to invest in my career. I had to do everything myself, coupled with the fact that I had family members to take care of.
”The singer also noted that he is currently working with a new management team in a bid to put his career back on track.
