Christine Ben-Ameh's First Chance winner

FEMALE singer, Christine Ben- Ameh, finally emerged winner of Nokia First Chance, the music reality television show in search of a true Nigerian voice to represent the country in the world of entertainment.

She beat fellow contestant, Justina Ogunlolu, to the second place in the show that began with 12 finalists who were selected from a field of thousands of aspiring entertainers who jostled to have a chance at an international music career.

An ecstatic Christine, whose parents also attended the final show at the Sigma Club in Lagos, said: "I may not have been the best all round but I believed in myself all the way. I am happy to be chosen as that true voice that will represent Nigeria on the global scene. I look forward to the next level."

She thanked the organiser for believing in the potentials of Nigerian youth and investing in their dream to conquer the world. "I also want to thank my parents who have been wonderful as well as the good people of Benue State; they were amazing with their votes and it's a good feeling," she said.

Nokia Channel Marketing Manager Lagos, Ghana and Liberia, Ms. Beatrice Olumhense, congratulated Christine on her victory, which she described as "well-deserved after all the hard work." She also paid compliments to the creativity of other contestants, saying, "Nokia commends the competitive spirit of everyone that has taken part in this show and we believe that the horizon is bright for all of you."

Olumhense commended the efforts of the judges - Ifeoma Williams, Jazz Black and Yinka Davies - as well as Nigerian designer, Wale Adeyemi and the management of DaWorks Music and Reflux Ltd for their contributions to making the show a success.

The Manager Reflux Production, Segun Giwa, said: "It has been a long journey, but we thank God we produced a winner, in whose talent we believe, stressing, "Without the support of our major sponsor, Nokia and others like shoreline, Virgin Nigeria and UNIC Insurance, we would not have made this a reality."

The final episode of Nokia First Chance, which about three hours, featured performers like GT and Ikechukwu who wowed the crowd with their hit songs Dreamers and Ikechukwu.

Christine Ben Ameh went home with N1m prize money and a sign-on album deal which will be produced internationally by Daworks Records. Supporting prizes include return tickets to London, a Nokia mobile phone, endorsement deals and performance with an international artiste in concert scheduled to hold later this year.

From The Guardian Nigeria..

Cassava Republic Featured Christine on the Diana Evans tour. Long may she rise and sing sweetly..