A Nigerian student, Ado Abdulkadir, is making wave in India after beating thousands of natives in a superhit Indian music reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.

Mr. Abdulkadir, an indigene of Kano State, held spectators in awe as he sang and danced his way through the 17th round.

In a telephone chat with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Ado said of the 8,700 contestants who participated in the show, only 17 of them are remaining in the show.

“8,700 of us started the show, but only 17 of us now remain for the next eight or so rounds,” Mr. Ado said.

“The Indians are really amazed by my performance and the standing ovation boosts my spirit. Really the support I get from the natives is soaring higher.”

He expressed hope that he would emerge victorious at the end of the show.

“Given the support I get every day, I am hopeful that I will emerge victorious,” he added.

Mr. Abdulkadir went to India four years ago on scholarship from Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to study Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at University of Mysore, India.

He recently completed his study.