Rwanda’s first two acts in the premiere show of the talent show East Africa’s Got Talent got a nod from the judges to proceed to the next stage as the first episode aired simultaneously on Sunday in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.

Fidele Fle, 32, the first Rwandan contestant to feature on the show, wowed the judges with a love song and his skills on the guitar, getting a nod from all four judges –TV host Jeff Koinange, Tanzania songstress Vanessa Mdee, former Big Brother Africa 2003 contestant, Gaetano Kagwa, and Rwanda’s very own Makeda Mahadeo.

Click here to watch Episode 1 of East Africa's Got Talent.

The show kicked off with ‘All Eyes Crew’ from Uganda, who got ‘Yes’, followed by Kenya’s Wandidi from Nyeri, who also impressed the judges with his ‘talking’ musical instrument.

Rwanda’s Fidele was described as ‘incredible’ with his guitar, while the young girls of Uruyange also wowed the judges with the traditional Kinyarwanda dance.

The Bongas from Tanzania put up a great synchronised performance, which left the judges on the edge of their seats, while Gloria and Vincent from Kenya put up a really magnificent dance which also got them the green light.

"The timing, the grace, the enthusiasm, the smiles….they are very talented,” remarked Gaetano.

East Africa’s Got Talent contestants during the competition. / Courtesy

It was Leyna Kagere, who got the first golden buzzer after the 7-year-old put up a talented performance got the judges in a fix, eventually Judge Vanessa Mdee convincing the panel to hit the buzzer.

Mariah, a Juggler from Tanzania could not make it as well as Daniel Ochieng from Kenya, whose skills as a ‘professional mourner’ could not move the judges.

The show debuted on Sunday evening and was aired on RTV, Citizen TV in Kenya, while in Tanzania Clouds Media aired the show and NBS TV aired it in Uganda. It will be showing every Sunday. The finale will be in October.

Contestants from Mombasa, Kenya. / Courtesy 

The show, which is powered by Safaricom and Coca Cola Africa drew mixed reactions on social media, with many expressing their disappointment that it is not live. The aired episode seems to have been recorded at different times as judges appeared in different clothes.

‘Got Talent’ which is replicated in different parts of the world, is considered the world’s most successful reality TV show.

It was founded by British talent competition judge Simon Cowell and runs in 58 countries, with the four East African countries now joining the list of countries, which have participated in the show. The show rewards talent, without discrimination.

The winner will walk away with $50,000 (Rwf45.7m).

editor@newtimesrwanda.com