Diamonds, the music band led by Anthony Iwediunor last Saturday emerged winners of the 2008 edition of Star Quest, the music talent hunt reality television show sponsored by Star lager. At the explosive finals of the four week old competition which took place at the EXPO hall in Lagos, the band was the obvious favourite of viewers, who have been following the programme on Television as they recorded the highest votes across the country to beat the Heritage and Expozee bands to second and third positions respectively.

It was a very keen contest which many thought would be a straight battle between Diamonds and Heritage bands. But, Expozee, the third placed band almost turned the table in their favour with a beautiful rendition of their hit single “Jaiye-Jaiye” gaining currency with the large crowd who witnessed the finals at the expansive EXPO hall. However, their superlative performance coming on the last night of the competition appeared too late to catch up with the other two bands and especially the Diamonds.

The Diamonds therefore succeed Jewels which won the competition last year. And for winning the competition, they went home with N5 million recording deal, N2.1 million cash, a mini-van, one year accommodation in a choice area of Lagos. They were also guaranteed automatic tickets to perform at this year’s Star Trek national concert tour, which kicks off soon and the annual Star Mega Jam, the international music concert, which comes up at the end of the year.

Speaking at the event which was broadcast live on National Television and selected networks, Dr. Oladele Ajayi, Sales Director of Nigerian Breweries reminded the audience that the Star brand has adopted music as its platform and Star Quest was one of the tripod which make up the platform, the other being Star Trek and Star. All the prizes were presented to the winning band by the MD/CEO, Mr. Michiel Herkemij.