"I saw it coming.” We guess that was the expression that kept tapping into poor Nina’s mind for minutes, after compatriot Alpha deliberately decided to nominate her in favour of Tanzanian’s Illuminata.

It was one of those most disappointing and heartbreaking moments where people get betrayed by those close to them.

It was unbelievable and absolutely unfair for Alpha not to vote for Nina, which would have created more chances to bring the money home, and to develop home talent.

The ultimate prize includes a cool Ksh.5 million (Rwf37.5 million) courtesy of the main sponsor’s East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

It has not been easy for Rwandans in the Tusker Project Fame 3 Academy, since two of the three Rwandan contestants have been up for eviction over the last three weeks. 

However, the third eviction over the weekend wasn’t our night. Rwanda’s only female contestant, Nina was evicted after three weeks on probation.

She lost by one count to Tanzania’s Illuminata, after the other two contestants (Christian and Maureen) on probation were saved by viewers’ SMS votes and the academy.

There wasn’t any single moment that Nina needed support than this time. It was only one vote to either save her, or eliminate her from the Tusker Academy.

If it was Christian voting in favour of Illuminata, fine since it is clear that the two are lovebirds.

Nina’s fluency in French, English, Swahili, Kinya-rwanda, Kirundi, Kikongo and Lingala will offer her an opportunity to grow her current fan base in east and central Africa and perhaps will go a long way to package her into a unique African artiste.

Ends