Welcome party at Petit stade, later today

NAIROBI - Alpha Rwirangira made history yesterday when he was declared the winner of the third season of East Africa’s premier music competition, Tusker Project Fame in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi.

The highly-rated young artiste beat a field of 12 contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda to emerge from a grueling eight-week stint in the musical academy on top, instantly winning himself Rwf 35m and a one year recording contract with one of Africa’s most famous record labels, South Africa’s Gallo Records.

Gallo Records incidentally has done recording work for Alpha’s late idol, South Africa’s Lucky Dube.
Alpha becomes the first Rwandan and the first male contestant to win the competition since its inception in 2007.

On hearing the announcement, Alpha broke into song and dance as fellow contestants and the audience at the academy feted him with wild cheers and screams.

The budding artiste capped the night by inviting his father on stage to thank him with a hug for the role he has played in his life.

"I would like to say this in front of you and God. This man is the hero of my life. This is the angel that God gave me,” said an ecstatic Alpha.

He said this as he pointed at his humbled parent who was now besides him on stage.

Yesterday’s grand finale saw a fitting end to a two-month long battle of musical talent, personal grit, and human spirit which has seen 11 of his fellow contestants fall away from the tight competition, week after week.

Alpha brings home the enviable record of being the highest finishing Rwandan contestant in the maiden appearance of the country in the regional musical talent competition.

The young humble Rwandan who has consistently been a flag bearer for his country is certainly set to receive a mammoth welcome for his antics in Nairobi especially for the things he said about his country.

"I’ll be one of the people who will make my country develop by helping the people who can not help themselves.”

Rwanda’s newest music prodigy follows in footsteps of previous winners, Kenya’s Valerie Kimani in 2007 and Uganda’s Esther Nabaasa in 2008.

A welcome party is expected to be held at Petit Stade today in the afternoon.

Ends