Tusker Project Fame Season 4 (TPF 4) auditions entered its final leg on Sunday, August 29, at Manor Hotel, Kigali. Hopefuls showcased their talent in a bid to win a ticket to the final phase of the competitions.

The auditions started on Saturday, August 28, with various displays of anxiety and drama in the room. Contestants arrived as early as 8:00 p.m at the venue. However, language remained a challenge since those who could not sing in English were easily disqualified!

The Jury

The three-judge-panel of artists; Shanel, Natty Dread and Dickson, a renowned Contact FM radio presenter. For them it was a ‘you either have the talent to sing, or don’t waste time!’ attitude.

Exceptions, finalist

Rehema Mukamuganga, 28, must have prayed harder before her turn. She couldn’t sing in English, but managed to impress the judges with her extraordinary voice. She was selected for the next phase.

Mukamuganga said: "I’m going to strive to learn English, because I’ve been told that my voice is fine, but I only have to sing in English.”

Moise Niyongabo, 23, brought the roof down with an electrifying performance of Lucky Dube’s ‘No Body Can Stop Reggae’ and got kudos from the judges.

"I’ve worked for this day…thank God for the opportunity…with God everything is possible!” Niyongabo said with tears rolling down his face.

Fatuma Umuhoza and Alex Uwiringiyimana are among the 10 finalists from Rwanda, who will meet other contestants from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Sudan for the Tusker Academy House in Nairobi, Kenya.

In an interview, Natty Dread told The New Times that there was more tension among the contestants during this year’s auditions.

"Some contestants were not ready for the competition. They need more music classes if they want to participant in the TPF competition.”

The competition will be graced by one of East Africa’s toughest judges Judge Ian Mbugua, as well as TV hosts and MCs such as Uganda’s Gaetano Jjuko Kaggwa and Mitch Egwang.

Ends