Contestants for the inaugural edition of Mister Rwanda were Saturday, April 30, reduced from 75 to 18 who booked their ticket to the boot camp slated for May 8.

In a colorful evening of fashion runway and glamour, all the 75 contestants who were selected during provincial auditions convened at Kigali Serena Hotel as they looked to push into the top 18 so as to earn a chance to go to the boot camp and boost their chance of winning the crown for the contest’s very first time.

The venue was full with revelers who sat in groups so as to put their voices together while supporting their favorite contestant and made sure they waved to the contestants while walking on stage as they hit the runway when the pre-selection show started a few minutes to 8pm.

A contestant speaks  to the judges during Saturday’s pre-selection event at Serena Hotel- photo Mister Rwanda

The finest music mix from female DJ Ira and traditional atmosphere created by ‘Ibihame By’Imana’ cultural gave the event a different but perfect color worth noting.

Before the panel of judges comprised of radio personality Aissa Cyiza, Chear Sebudebwe, and musician Jean Pierre Damien Nkurunziza, commonly known as 'Maji Maji’, contestants showed up for a series of runway in traditional and casual attire before each of them passed before the jury for a Question-Answer session during which they would answer questions from the judges on various topics tackling the society.

There were 15 tickets up for grabs to be able to make it to the boot camp as three contestants with the highest number of votes were already guaranteed a place in the boot camp.

The three most voted who progressed to the boot camp include Yannick Cyusa Muhunde, Jules Maurice Ngabo and Hartman Kelly Nyirihirwe.

They were joined by 15 contestants who impressed the judges the most during the pre-selection including Yves Kayitaba, Cruise Kami, Patrick Mwemera Murego, Alain Norbert Kalisa, Patrick Ahimbazwe, Fabrice Brice Niyonagize and Richard Rwema Gihame, the lone contestant with disability making it to the boot camp.

Others include, Prince Ngaboyisonga, Hubert Ishimwe, musician Alex Mbaraga, Tresor Ruharambankiko , Derrick Rukundo, Salton Muheto, John Magnific Irutamageno and  Moise Iradukunda.

The 18 finalists will head to the boot camp which starts next week, precisely from May 8-13 at an unconfirmed hotel where they will be trained on different aspects including project development, runway and other important skills and values that Mister Rwanda must have.

The winner of Mister Rwanda will be announced during the grand finale slated for May 14.