TUSKER Project Fame Season 3 winner Alpha Rwirangira has disparaged recent rumours made some local journalists, alleging that they are trying to get him down and damaging his reputation.

The 25-year-old singer made the remarks at a press conference held in Kigali, on Tuesday, July 19.

Alpha denounces the claims made by one of the radio stations that he allegedly refused to participate in the East African Music Awards (EMAs), because he did not want to be recognised as a Rwandan artiste – but instead a Tanzanian.

"Upon hearing these accusations, I was shocked and disgusted. I have never disowned my nationality. I am a Rwandan and I am so proud to be one!” the furious Alpha said.

"I am like many other Rwandans in the country today, who were born from other countries but that factor doesn’t make us foreigners in our own country,” he added.

Alpha noted: "I even don’t know anything about the East African Music Awards. Some journalists have reported a lot of bad stuff about me, and even refused to play my songs, which I think is so unfair and unethical.”

Born in 1986 in Mwanza, Tanzania to a Rwandan father and a Tanzanian mother, Alpha Rwirangira emerged East Africa’s best artiste after winning the much coveted Tusker Project Fame Season 3 in Nairobi, Kenya in 2009.

The East African Music Awards is scheduled for August 20, featuring eight countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Alpha emphasised that the allegations were hurtful and destroyed his image. He alleges he can hardly get support from local companies due to this.

The reclusive singer added: "As much as we respect journalists for their support in terms of publicising our music, we can as well criticise those who destroy us,” he added.

He, however, reminded East Africa about his participation in the ongoing Tusker All Stars, where he is representing Rwanda and promised to be loyal to his fans.

"I take the opportunity to thank all my fans for helping me win the TPF3. I also appreciate your continued support even in the Tusker All Stars and with your support, I managed to lead in the previous three weeks,” the singer said.

"Please don’t give up, continue to vote for me to make my dreams come true,” Alpha pleaded.

Alpha has continued to shine on the East Africa’s music scene. He won the 2010 Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards).

The singer well-known for tracks like; "Songa mbele” and"Come to me”, has a 10-track album entitled "One Africa”, a title track calling for unity and reconciliation among Africans.

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