Auditions for Miss Rwanda 2016 will come to an end this Saturday at Sports View Hotel, Remera in what is expected to be the biggest turn up since the auditions started on January 9.

According to organisers, this year has seen a growing interest with 140 girls registering on the internet, 40 for Kigali alone.

However, the turn up for auditions has not reflected the big number that registered.

According to Dieudonne‘Prince Kid’ Ishiimwe, CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up, the organisers, this is because some girls disqualify themselves since they have a better grasp of the requirements.

"Last year many girls turned up hoping we would be lenient on height but we have our standards,” Ishimwe says.

The auditions started in Musanze with 13 girls showing up, 6 in Rubavu, 7 in Huye and 11 in Kayonza, which brought the total to 16.

The required total for the boot camp is 25, which means that those placed on probation in previous auditions will get a chance. However, according to the organisers, the number is not an issue.

"We want quality, even if we have to go with less than 25,” Ishimwe adds.

However, candidates on probation only have one chance to convince the judges.

The concept of Miss Rwanda is slowly gaining popularity among the masses.

Ishimwe has a word for the girls coming to the Kigali auditions.

"Girls should not be shy or afraid, just come and present what you have. It is an open competition. The contest isn’t all about beauty, there’s elegance, confidence and intelligence to look out for, and all score marks,” he says.

Critics say that last year’s crop of competitors was exceptional, but judges have said that this year holds even more potential.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw