Benjamin Omosivie, popularly known as Benriffs, has emerged winner of the 2025 edition of the Kiekie Unscripted Experience ‘The Big Stage’, carting home a brand-new Mikano Changan CS15 Sports Utility Vehicle after months of intense competition.
The grand finale, held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, brought to an end a contest that began with over 500 contestants drawn from different creative disciplines, including music, comedy, acting, dance, poetry and culinary arts.
Benriffs, whose performances consistently impressed both judges and viewers throughout the competition, was announced winner by the show’s creator and host, Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as Kiekie. The announcement sparked wild celebrations inside the arena as the talented performer broke down in emotion before receiving the keys to his new vehicle.
King Stevie emerged as the first runner-up and received a cash prize of N2.5m.
Speaking after the event, Kiekie said the initiative was created to provide a platform for talented young Nigerians who often lack access to opportunities and industry support.
“When we conceived the Kiekie Unscripted Experience, the goal was never just to create a game show. The goal was to build a bridge and create a launch pad for young talents across the country,” she said.
She added that the project was aimed at helping emerging creatives showcase their abilities on a premium platform and connect with wider audiences.
The competition stood out for its multi-disciplinary format, which challenged contestants in diverse areas beyond their primary talents. One of the season’s most talked-about segments was a cooking challenge judged by celebrity chef Hilda Baci.
Other challenges featured collaborations with established entertainers, including comedians and actors, as contestants navigated a series of unscripted tasks designed to test their creativity, adaptability and stage presence.
Representatives of Mikano Motors, sponsors of the grand prize, said their partnership with the programme reflected the company’s commitment to supporting young Nigerian talents and the country’s growing creative economy.
According to the company, investing in the creative industry has become increasingly important as young Nigerians continue to drive innovation and cultural influence across the globe.
The cooking competition was won by Chef Damian and his team, who received cash prizes and professional cooking equipment.
The finale attracted several celebrities, including Bovi, IK Osakioduwa, Kenny Blaq, Stan Nze, Jessica Obasi, Kamo State, Do2dtun, Aisha Lawal, Taooma, Bisola Aiyeola and Osas Ighodaro.
