Jay Wilder wins first edition of Orjin Untamed competition, walks home with GH₵80k
After fiercely contested zonal and national competitions, a 23-year-old graduate of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Okyere Fred Acheamfo, emerged as the ultimate winner of the 2023 edition of Orijin Untamed.
Known by his showbiz name Jay Wilder, the up-and-coming artiste secured the much-touted grand prize at stake, walking away with GH₵80,000.00 after three rounds of intense competition.
Orijin Untamed, an exciting nationwide talent search in the fields of art and music, kicked off in Bolgatanga, followed by resonant events in Kumasi in October and Accra, which saw three zonal winners making away with GH₵8,000 each.
These auditions unveiled eight exceptionally talented individuals gearing up for the grand finale on December 15th in Jamestown to win the ultimate prize of GH₵80,000. Ahead of the Grand Competition, a virtual boot camp was organized to accelerate their careers.
Hailing from the Northern Zone were Klasic Again and Mat De Poet; the Middle Zone boasts of the talents of Jay Wilder and Kay Magma; and the Greater Accra Zone showcased Blakk Berry, IKNA, Sumoney, and Messi Jay. These gifted individuals triumphed in their respective zones, earning the right to compete for the coveted prize at the grand finale.
The Orijin Untamed Grand Finale did not conform to the conventional talent search format. It started with all eight finalists standing united on stage, blending their voices in a harmonious tone that resonated with the theme of “Celebrating Orijinality”.
The crowd, captivated by this unique opening, responded with nods of approval and thunderous applause, setting the tone for a night of artistic expression.
Each finalist took turns delivering a show-stopping five-minute performance that ranged from rap and singing to spoken word.
As the competition progressed, the top four semi-finalists emerged, with representation from Kumasi, Greater Accra and Bolgatanga. The top four semifinalists were Kay Magma, Jay Wilder, Klasic Again, and Blak Berry.
After an intense round, Jay Wilder came top as the winner with Blakk Berry emerging as the first runner-up while Kay Magma secured the third position.
The judges, critical of the contestant’s audience engagement skills, finesse, and vocal dexterity, found themselves carried away by the finalists at various points in time. Amid laughter and an exchange of catchphrases between the artists and the audience such as “Awoo”, and “never trust a soul”, the event became an immersive experience.
The first edition of Orijin Untamed leaves a legacy of artistic brilliance, unity, and the triumph of authenticity.
The Grand Finale, at the Old Kingsway Building, will be remembered as a night that celebrated not just the winner but the spirit of Orijinality that defines the essence of Orijin.
Aligned with Orijin’s core philosophy of ‘Orijinality,’ this campaign pays tribute to the celebration of authenticity and self-expression, and the introduction of Orijin Untamed seamlessly aligns with this vision.
The Orijin Untamed platform aims to empower young talents to follow their passions while nurturing their creative abilities.
Source: Ghana News
