Despite the first two contestants going home at the semifinal stage, the remaining two Rwandan contenders in the talent show, East Africa’s Got Talent, are hopeful to lift the country’s flag into the grand finale slated for October 6.

Those eliminated during the semi-finals are, Himbaza Club and Elisha the Gift. 

After putting up an energetic drum performance fused with a choreographic piece, the judges seemed to be convinced that Himbaza Club, a group of Burundian refugees living in Rwanda, would earn themselves a spot in the show’s live semi-finals. Afro-fusion singer Elisha The Gift did not seem to have given his best on stage, as judge Jeff Koinange, a renowned Kenyan journalist, noted. However, this time the audience had the last word on who they wanted to see in the finals. 

 Intayoberana boys’ dance troupe also secured a nod from the judges to secure a spot to the  semi-finals. Courtesy photos. 

Viewers voted through SMS, and the performers with higher points automatically got the chance to stay in the show, while the judges voted between the 2nd and 3rd most voted contestants to proceed.

Regardless of how amazing the two Rwandan contestants performed, without enough votes from the public, their efforts were in vain. This was also the case for Mason 666 from Tanzania, and All Eyes Crew from Uganda, as they were showed the exit.

Now, all eyes are on Rwanda’s remaining contestants Peace Hosiyana, who received a golden buzzer and Intayoberana boys’ dance troupe, who showcased their amazing talent and got a nod to the next round. The contestants, however, will have to bring out their A game in order to convince the whole East Africa to vote for them. 

As suggested by the judges during their past performances, Hosiyana could leverage on "easier songs” and the dance troop could combine both young girls and boys to entice the public to vote for them. They will compete for the spot in the finals with other semi-finalists Jehovah Shalom Acapella, Leyna Kagere as well as siblings Esther and Ezekiel Mutesasira, all from Uganda, on September 22.

The grand finale has four slots to which the first two were taken by Kenya's Yada Yada and Janelle Tamara following the first semi-finals last Sunday. 

Voting process 

Voting starts as soon as the performances end and lines are open for an hour. In the grand final, juries and viewers from all participating countries will vote again for their favourite contestants into the final stage of the show.

Once the voting window has closed, the presenter will ask the judges to reveal their points, and the viewers’ points will also be announced, culminating into revelation the winner. 

The grand finale will take place on Sunday, October 6, at 7pm (local time), and will be broadcasted live in all participating countries; Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The winner of East Africa Got Talent 2019 will walk away with a $50, 000 (about Rwf46,000,000) cash prize and other goodies.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com