By Boima J.V.Boima

Photo by: James A. Garresen, II/Executive Mansion

The die is cast and the extravaganza continues as the Nigerian winner of the most prestigious MTN-Project Fame West Africa amateur talented musician search returns to Liberia. Liberia’s 18-year old Nicholas Buigar, who emerged as the 1^st runner up in the contest last Saturday, received a brand new Toyota Corolla from the MTN-Project Fame West Africa as his prize.

Nicholas welcomed the car and a US$10,000 cash prize, which he received at the project fame academy in Nigeria. Nico Blast, as he is fondly called by his fans and admirers across the country, was proud to emerge as the 1^st runner up in the contest that many described as “grueling.” Liberians, and many Africans who followed the contest in Nigeria, regard him as a young aspiring legend in the amateur music world, while others refer to him as the ‘Liberian winner’.

Now that Nicholas has placed his war torn country on the musical map, he aspires to become a world legend in the musical world.

Nicholas’ Toyota cost over US$30,000, a lifetime of earnings in a country where most earn less than $1 a day. The Toyota was given to Nicholas at the Toyota garage in Logan Town on Bush Rod Island in Monrovia. Nicholas was graced by fans, sponsors and stakeholders, including one of Liberia’s popular show promoters Miata Fambulleh aka Aunty Miata, who joyfully hugged the young artist.

“We love you, may GOD BLESS you, for you are our pride in Liberia ,” Miata Fambulleh said.

The 2009 Liberia ’s coordinator of the Project Fame West Africa(PFWA) Madam Jeanette Wliwon Krote, who welcomed the many stakeholders and fans, said that her organization is proud to see Nicolas as the 1^st runner up in its just concluded talent search show.

“I am proud of all those who voted for me in this show for without their precious vote, I would not have reached this far. Therefore I thank you all,” Nicholas said.