Residents of Kicukiro were treated to a mesmerising talent search competition at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) Kigali, formerly called Eto-Kicukiro on Saturday.

The gig dubbed, Rise Up Talent Awards (RUTA), was initially disrupted by a soccer match, but when it ended the competition picked momentum.

Groups like Forever Gospel Fire, composed of Jeremiah Mugabo and Patrick Augustin Berwa, thrilled the crowd with their songs Naremeye, Amakuru, and Healed.

Some artistes showed little effort on the stage, as they delivered weak performances that were mostly playback. But that did not deter their enthusiastic fans.

Joseph Bagabo, the managing director of Ruta, said: "This project aims to showcase talented young artistes so that they can realise their dreams but we still face many obstacles such as lack of adequate finances and a suitable venue for our concerts.”

The search will take place in different parts of the country and the final competition is due next month. The contestants will battle for the cash prize and a recording deal.