The moment reality TV lovers have all been waiting for – the Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS) is finally back and has unveiled 18 contestants who will be competing for the ₦50 million prize. An online portal has also been opened for the public to vote in two more contestants.
From banker to fitness coach, model and entrepreneur, the 2021 Gulder Ultimate Search’ The Age of Craftsmanship’ contestants recently unveiled are sure to give fans a memorable experience in their search for lost treasure in the jungle of this season’s show.
Ahead of the return of the survival reality show to screens on October 16 after a seven-year hiatus, the Gulder Ultimate Search 12 contestants were unveiled at a selection party held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. Nigerian Breweries Plc, organisers of Gulder Ultimate Search, also unveiled the relaunched Gulder as a Craft Beer at the selection party.
The contestants include – Damola Johnson, a 26-year-old Film director from Lagos, Mfon Mikel Esin, a 27-year-old Freelance writer from Akwa Ibom, Samuel Ishmael, 35-year old IT Expert from Ogun, Emmanuel Nnebe, 29-year old Paralegal from Anambra, Damilola Odedina, 25-year old Cinematographer, Solomon Yankari, 26-year old fitness Fitness Instructor from Bauchi..
Others include music artiste -Olayinka Omoya, Godswill Oboh, Omokhafe Bello, Chidimma Okeibe, Jennifer Okorie, Tobechukwu Okoye, Gerald Odeka, Tosin Michael Emiola, Iniabasi Umoren.
They were selected from thousands of entries received and made it through the series of screenings held for Gulder Ultimate Search applicants for one week after the bootcamp.
According to Emmanuel Oriakhi, the Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, “These finalists are the most outstanding candidates, among the 20,000+ applicants who registered for this season’s show. They’re now being prepped for the covert jungle.”
The 18 contestants heading into the Gulder Ultimate Search camp will be expected to exhibit their survival instincts as they struggle against themselves and nature in their search for the hidden treasure that will bring the last person standing instant fame and fortune.
The survival reality show first hit the Nigerian airwaves in 2004 and sparked the fire of reality TV shows in Nigeria. It ran for 11 seasons before going off-air in 2014, and many fans have been calling for its return since then. Social media went wild with reactions on September 1 after Nigerian Breweries announced the show’s return.
Organisers say approximately 20,000 young Nigerians between ages 21 and 35 registered to participate in the show, which centres around the survival instinct of the contestants and promises fame and wealth.
Tope Oshunkeye, Executive Head Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria, official broadcast partner of Gulder Ultimate Search, said the show will run on “DStv Africa Magic Showcase, Africa Magic Urban & Africa Magic Family on Saturdays and Sundays, with a rerun on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a weekly highlight on Thursdays from October 16 to December 19, 2021, and we look forward to entertaining DStv and GOtv customers with another exciting reality show.”
Nigerian airline, Air Peace and indigenous vehicle manufacturing company Innoson Motors, who are the official transport partners of Gulder Ultimate Search 12, also addressed the audience indicating their pleasure to be partners of the show this year.
Kunle Remi, Nollywood actor and Gulder Ultimate Search 2010 winner, said, “Gulder Ultimate Search changed my life forever, and since winning the show in 2010, I have moved from a local model to becoming a global star.”
Kunle was recently unveiled as the taskmaster for Gulder Ultimate Search 12 and was part of the regional screenings that produced the finalists.
Other past Gulder Ultimate Search winners – Ezeugo Egwuagwu, Lucan Chambliss, Dominic Mudabai, Michael Nwachukwu, Uche Nwaezeapu, Christopher Okagbue, Pascal Eronmose, Dennis Okike and Chinedu Ubachukwu, who also attended the selection party, shared their Gulder Ultimate Search success story and how the show changed their lives forever.
Organisers keep fans guessing as they are yet to announce the location and anchor for the Gulder Ultimate Search 12. The previous editions, held at different locations across the country, were anchored by Nollywood actors Chidi Mokeme, Bob Manuel-Udokwu, while Genevieve Nnaji anchored the Gulder Ultimate Search All-Stars edition.
The stake for Gulder Ultimate Search 12 is bigger than previous editions. The winner will take home a ₦50 million in prize ,which includes cash prize, a brand new SUV and other mouth-watering prizes. Other contestants also stand a chance to win from the N20 million worth silver cash prizes.