26-YEAR-OLD Jasmine Kibatega is the winner of The Next Popstar season 1, announced during the colorful grand finale held on Wednesday evening, March 17 at Kigali Arena and aired live on KC2.

The upcoming singer won the music contest overcoming tough competition from other five contestants who were vying for the Rwf 50 million prize.

Upon winning the contest, Kibatega walked away with a whopping Rwf10 million in cash, while the rest of the money will be spent on the production of her songs at either local or foreign music studios.

Meanwhile, Ish Kevin who emerged first runner-up will also get a distribution deal from SM1 Music which will help him/her distribute and sell her music globally while the remaining finalists, namely Gisa Cy’inganzo (2nd runner-up), Jackson Cyiza (3rd runner-up), Yannick Gashiramanga and Honorine Irakoze Hirwa will wait to try another chance in the next season of the contest.

Upon being announced winner, after two knockout rounds, Kibatega shed tears of joy as she celebrated the victory against some established artistes like Marina, who was eliminated from the top 20 and Gisa Cy’inganzo who was toe-to-toe with her during the grand finale.

"I’m not sure… but praise be to the Lord! I have loved music since I was young, although I was not able to do my own music so I started from Karaoke in bars. Whoever has followed me during my journey, don’t ever give up on your dream no matter what people say,” she said.

She dedicated the prize to all her supporters but, most importantly, her mother.

"I want to thank you before the public. I am thankful that you were so patient, even where I did wrong, and for the support you gave me. We did it,” she exclaimed.

She also urged parents to support their children in their talents so they can realize their dreams.

Kibatega won the contest after two rounds. The first saw Yannick Gashiramanga and Honorine Irakoze Hirwa eliminated before she progressed to the grand finale as the lone female alongside Gisa cy’Inganzo, Ish Kevin and Jackson Cyiza.

Her performance in the second round earned her a vote of confidence from three-judge panel that comprised of Lion Imanzi, singer Aline Gahongayire and Producer Jay P whose accumulated points saw her win the inaugural edition of the contest.

Ish Kevin, first runner-up, will also get a distribution deal from SM1 Music.

Kibatega and Ish Kevin who emerged first runner-up will travel to the United States in June for a two-week visit during which they will be given detailed information about the contract they will sign with the contest sponsors. They will also have a tour of the production headquarters of SONY Music and SM1.

Organised by More Events, a local events management company, the new music contest is a 10-year project that seeks to unearth the most talented artistes in Rwanda, with a target of elevating local musical talent to the international stage through music distribution via different international music platforms.

Ish Kevin, first runner-up, sang for Jasmine Kibatega, the winner of The Next Popstar Season 1.

In December, the first edition of the music contest stalled, when six finalists were expected to undergo a seven-day boot camp at Hotel Villa Portofino, Nyarutarama, due to the upsurge in  Covid-19 cases.

Eventually, the boot camp and the grand finale, which was originally scheduled on December 26, were postponed following the ‘upsurge in COVID-19 cases’.

The contest resumed later in February after the government relaxed preventive guidelines to contain the pandemic.

Gisa cy’Inganzo, second runner-up, during his performance.

Honorine Irakoze Hirwa on the stage.

Jackson Cyiza, third runner-up, during his performance.

Yannick Gashiramanga.