Idols West Africa is the West African version of the Idol series franchise. Based in Nigeria, it is a talent contest to find a recording artiste, and aired on M-Net in 2007. Like the Pan-Arab entry to the series, the show incorporated countries throughout the West African region.

Season 1

The show is presented in English, hosted by Mike Majic. The three judges are: Nigerian Dede Mabiaku, Ghanaian Abrewa Nana and American Dan Foster.

Themes

April 2: My Idol April 9: Old School April 16: Current Hits April 23: 80s & 90s April 30: African Songs May 7: My Idols May 14: Producer's Choice May 21: Ultimate Wishlist May 27: Grand Finale

Finals elimination chart

Criticism

Despite the title, the show was dubbed 'Nigerian Idol' by the public. Most of the finalists - bar Liberian Jerrilyn Mulbar - were Nigerian. Most of the auditions were held in Nigerian cities (Lagos, Calabar and Abuja). Only one West African city outside Nigeria - Accra - hosted them. Dan Foster was criticized for not showing up at the Ghana auditions. Fellow judge Dede Mabiaku (popularly known as the Nigerian Simon Cowell) also came under fire for his attitude towards an auditionee who had arrived clad in white briefs in a bid to imitate his hero Fela Kuti. Viewers were shocked to hear Mabiaku call the auditionee a liar, and accuse him of being on "some wrong pills". Foster attempted to calm Mabiaku, who continued to yell insults at the auditionee before asking him to leave, without giving the other judges a chance to vote either "Yes" or "No" The winner of the series, Timi Dakolo, is yet to release his debut album with Sony BMG, as announced by the producers of the show.