In a dazzling finale that brought Nigerian Idol Season 10 to a dramatic close, 26-year-old Anu Agosa Fadoju, known to audiences as Purp, emerged as the winner making history as the first female to clinch the title in the past five years.
A graduate of Theatre Arts from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Purp stood out not only for her powerful vocals but for her commitment to authentic storytelling both in her music and performance.
Still soaking in the emotions of her recent victory, Purp described the finale experience as surreal. “I woke up on the day of the finale nervous but hopeful,” she told journalists. “When I was announced as the winner, I wanted to cry. It still doesn’t feel real.”
Her success, however, is only the beginning. As she steps into the spotlight, Purp is determined to distinguish herself with a distinct artistic identity that blends music, drama, and storytelling. “I’m not just here to drop songs for vibes,” she said. “I want my audience to feel something, to relate, to reflect. Every performance should tell a story.”
Her passion for storytelling stems from years in the theatre, which began during her time at OAU. Now based in Lagos, she has been active in both acting and live music performance, singing at lounges and working with a band she joined in 2022. “I’m still in that band and plan to continue with them,” she said. “It keeps me grounded.”
Purp’s artistic roots trace back to childhood in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, where her mother led the church choir and rehearsals often took place at home. “I didn’t realise I had the gift until people started handing me the mic,” she recalled. Her creative journey deepened after her family moved to Abuja and matured during her university years.
Beyond her musical talents, Purp is also reflective about the responsibilities that come with her new role. “Winning Nigerian Idol is more than a personal victory it’s a platform,” she said. “You don’t know who’s watching or the doors it can open.”
With her win, she becomes the official face of Nigerian Idol for the next year. “It’s an honour,” she said. “And it’s also about those watching young women and creatives who think they don’t fit the mold. I want to show them you can stay true to yourself and still win.”
She acknowledged the values instilled by her parents, who supported her dreams even when societal attitudes suggested otherwise. “They told me: ‘If you’re going to do this, do it differently — with integrity,’” she said.
On the show, she underwent a rapid transformation. While her theatre background gave her an edge with live performances, television was an entirely new world. “I had to think about the camera, not just the stage,” she explained. “I learned how to brand myself, how to speak clearly, and how to carry myself publicly.”
When asked about her musical inspirations, Purp named Jasmine Sullivan, Anita Baker, and Nigeria’s Asa. “Asa deeply influenced me. She made me feel seen,” she said.
As she now transitions from reality show star to full-fledged artist, she has clear plans for her creative direction. Whether it’s gospel, soul, or contemporary music, Purp says storytelling will remain at the heart of everything she does.
In closing, she extended her appreciation to Bigi, sponsors of Nigerian Idol. “Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I’m honoured to represent the brand and this platform,” she said.
From stage to studio, Purp is charting a course that blends performance with purpose and her story is only just beginning.