As the International Shift Talent Hunt prepares for its 2026 season, Deacon Steve Uzeh has announced a significantly enhanced prize package and clearer participation guidelines while reiterating the platform’s commitment to Christian unity and genuine life transformation.
In this exclusive interview with Truth Live News, the coordinator painted a picture of a movement that balances high rewards with integrity and broad inclusivity.
The winner of the 2026 edition will go home with an impressive package: an SUV, N10 million, a promotional deal, and a plot of land, courtesy of a partner in the real estate sector. Uzeh described this as a major boost designed to raise the stakes and reward excellence meaningfully.
While opening the doors wider, the organisers are maintaining strict entry conditions to preserve the platform’s integrity.
Contestants must come from a Bible-believing church and will be required to provide the name and location of their church, the name and phone number of their pastor, and the name and contact of their fellowship or youth leader. Uzeh acknowledged that some may attempt to falsify information but assured that verification systems are in place.
The platform now actively welcomes ministries and churches across the nation, making it broader and more inclusive.
Registrations are already coming in from Catholics, Deeper Life, Christ Embassy, Redeemed, House on the Rock, Daystar, and many others.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria youth wing is now involved in the management structure, while the Christian Association of Nigeria has also been formally informed.
Uzeh made it clear that International Shift is not driven by rivalry with other talent shows. “I am not driven by rivalry with other platforms. Instead, my focus is on transforming lives and giving young Christians a genuine platform to blossom,” he stated.
He pointed to the powerful testimony of a contestant from Borno State who entered as a farmer with a gift for painting. Though he only reached the third stage, the young man has since relocated to Lagos and is now securing consistent painting jobs. Uzeh described this as “one of my proudest outcomes in five years of running the initiative” and “the true measure of success.”
The range of talents accepted is impressively wide. While music and drama remain major categories, a broader “unusual creativity” category accommodates painting, spoken word, dancing, cooking, and many other expressions.
The platform is open to individuals or groups, as long as the talent can glorify God.
Registration has been reduced to a token N1000 to enhance accessibility. Uzeh revealed it was previously higher, with accommodation and feeding once provided by the organisers. Although he wanted completely free registration, his legal team advised a nominal fee, in line with the biblical principle, “Where a person’s treasure is, there their heart will also be.”
From all indications, International Shift Talent Hunt is evolving into a faith-driven movement for youth empowerment, skills development, visibility, and Christian unity.
It combines substantial rewards, rigorous training, international exposure, and spiritual focus to help young talents thrive while remaining rooted in faith.
As preparations intensify for the 2026 edition, Deacon Steve Uzeh’s vision remains steadfast to shift Christian talent from local obscurity to global relevance, using creativity as a tool for evangelism and societal transformation.
With its expanded scope, enhanced prizes, and commitment to inclusivity across the body of Christ, the platform is poised to deliver even greater impact in the coming season.
