The atmosphere at the De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt Season 4 grand finale was electric as Deborah Johnson, known to many as TheGlobalPoet, took home the first prize of ₦30 million. The Delta-born spoken-word artist beat 21 other contestants in a season that showcased Nigeria’s boundless creativity — from singers and comedians to contortionists, instrumentalists, and dancers.
Her win wasn’t just a victory for her; it was a win for every young creative who dares to dream differently. TheGlobalPoet used her words, confidence, and depth to turn spoken word from art into a movement.
Let’s break down five things you should know about her incredible journey and what makes her win such a powerful moment for Nigerian talent.
1. She Didn’t Win the First Time — But She Came Back Stronger
TheGlobalPoet’s journey to this win wasn’t a straight line. In fact, she auditioned for De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt in Season 3 but didn’t make it past the first stage — a moment that went viral after Dr. Sid cut her audition short. Instead of quitting, she came back stronger for Season 4. That’s grit in motion.
Her comeback wasn’t just a return — it was a redemption story. This time, she captivated audiences week after week with powerful poetry tackling issues like racism, terrorism, gender-based violence, and drug abuse. By the finale, it was clear: this wasn’t luck; it was divine timing and preparation finally meeting opportunity.
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2. She Used Poetry as a Weapon for Change
While many contestants relied on vocals or choreography, TheGlobalPoet wielded words like a sword. Her performances weren’t just entertaining — they were thought-provoking. Each stanza hit hard, addressing the realities of being Nigerian, being young, and being human in a world that often feels chaotic.
In Episode 1, she clinched Best Performance of the Week for her emotionally charged piece on tribalism and insecurity. Later, her collaboration with Team Unbeatable Dance Crew on drug abuse awareness fused poetry and dance so seamlessly that it won yet another Best Weekly Performance Award. She wasn’t just performing — she was educating, healing, and inspiring.
3. She Went Viral for All the Right Reasons
TheGlobalPoet’s art didn’t stay on the stage. Her collaboration with fellow contestant Paskal, a soldier-poet, became a viral hit — amassing over 8.7 million views on Instagram and millions more across TikTok and Facebook.
At a time when virality often depends on controversy, her success came from creativity, raw emotion, and authenticity. That’s rare. Fans called her “the poet with fire in her voice,” and honestly, that’s not an exaggeration.
4. She Put Spoken Word in the Spotlight
Before TheGlobalPoet, it was rare for a spoken-word artist to dominate a talent show primarily built around singers and dancers. Her victory breaks that mold completely. It tells young Nigerian poets that their words matter and that their art form has a place in mainstream entertainment.
Her stage presence — fierce, emotional, and unapologetically bold, gave a whole new face to performance poetry. Now, thousands of Nigerian youths are dusting off their notebooks, ready to tell their own stories through verse.
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5. TheGlobalPoet Is Just Getting Started
Winning ₦30 million is a huge milestone, but it’s clear TheGlobalPoet’s story is just beginning. She’s already expressed plans to use her art to inspire social change and spotlight African stories. With her growing platform and fan base, she’s in the perfect position to make poetry mainstream again.
Her win, alongside the impressive performances of JeremiahFJ Sax (first runner-up) and ChrisVic (second runner-up), shows how De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt continues to empower young Nigerians to dream big and showcase their gifts to the world.
At RefinedNG, we’re thrilled to see platforms like De9jaSpirit Talent Hunt transforming raw talent into global stories. TheGlobalPoet’s win reminds us that passion, purpose, and perseverance always pay off.
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