The first Yoruba-language reality television show, “Ilé Nlá”, has been officially unveiled in Ibadan, marking a major step in promoting Yoruba culture and discovering new creative talents.

The reality show, launched during a grand press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, is designed to identify, nurture and showcase young talents rooted in Yoruba heritage, while offering economic and creative empowerment opportunities.

Speaking at the unveiling, Gbemi Faleti, one of the programme’s conveners, described IléNlá as a unique reality TV project that blends cultural heritage with entertainment to create an empowering platform for youths across Yoruba-speaking communities.

“The initiative is aimed at promoting Yoruba culture among youths while providing avenues for mentorship, branding support and exposure to wider audiences,” Faleti said.

Auditions for the programme will be held across major Yoruba-speaking states including Ogun, Kwara, Ekiti, Osun and Oyo, and are open to individuals aged 18 to 35 with talents in areas such as music, drama, dance, fashion and culinary arts.

Following auditions, 25 finalists will be selected to participate in the IléNlá House, a 45-day intensive training camp where they will receive cultural and creative coaching, mentorship from leading Yoruba creatives, and training in branding and talent development.

Faleti added that the programme aims not only to reward exceptional talent but also to create career opportunities, foster cultural preservation, boost tourism, and generate employment for over 200 crew members, facilitators and creatives.

The show is expected to reach over 10 million viewers via television and digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, with audience voting enabled through SMS and app-based platforms.

Other members of the IléNlá team present at the launch included Kayode Olaiya (Aderupoko), Bayo Sangobiyi, Segun Ayeni and Adewale Abdulrasak Sokoti. Notable guests in attendance were actors and content creators such as Benedict Ayoola, Baba Kamo, Baba Alariya, Alhaji Adebayo Fatai, Sule Odebunmi (Digboluja), BiolaFowosere, Baba Alao and Wale Lawal (Baba Promo).

The organisers also unveiled the show’s ambassadors, who will promote Ilé Nlá across Yoruba-speaking communities. The ambassadors include Adewale Abdulrasak Sokoti, Kayode Olaiya, Oriyomi Hamzat, Toyin Adegbola and Jide Kosoko.

“We are calling on stakeholders and partners to support this initiative as it represents a major investment in the future of young Yoruba talents and the preservation of our heritage,” the organisers said.

Ilé Nlá promises to be a milestone in Nigerian entertainment as the first reality television programme produced entirely in the Yoruba language, combining culture, creativity and modern media engagement. (TRIBUNE)