All contestants on probation

The contestants were on the stage warming up for their musical. Everyone looked lively, although the spectre of probation was once again hanging over their heads. Principal Eric promised a musical of epic proportions. The story, based loosely on the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, was simply titled ‘Coconut Brown and the Seven Benga Dwarves’. Dr. Mich got the show started on a high, introducing the judges, faculty and contestants. Singing Michael Jackson’s mega hit ‘Bad’, Daisy was backed by the amazing Sarakasi dancers. Going through her notes and giving the song the right amount of energy. Mich and Joey continued the seamless narrative, telling how the moody queen Daisy was out of control because the princess was more beautiful than she was. So her father had to send the princess away. Playing the part of the King was Kojjo. Singing ‘If I Could Change the World’ by Eric Clapton, Kojjo gave a sweet performance that put tears in the eyes of the audience. Judge Ian thought that Daisy was clumsy and under-rehearsed and found Kojjo rather boring. Principal Eric spoke in Daisy’s defense that it was a difficult song pitched for a man and she did alright on it. After the break, the narrative continued. So the Benga Dwarves saved the princess from her tower. Phionah, who plays the princess, came out singing ‘I’m in Love with the DJ’ by Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Looking stunning in her flowing dress, Phionah gave a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. Joey continued the narrative, telling how the dwarves were in love with the princess. Singing ‘Kenchic’ by Chris Adwar, Amos and Josh got the crowd grooving to Chris Adwar’s hit. Judge Hermes thought that Phionah killed the song, calling it one of the best performances of the night. Judge Hermes loved Amos and Josh as well. Judge Juliana felt the due engaged the audience from the minute they walked out to the very end. Adwar simply thought that Amos, Josh and Phionah were magic together.Singing ‘Nchi Ya Kitu Kidogo’ by Eric Wainaina, as the policeman, Patrick came out with his figurative guns blazing. Taking Principal Eric’s song and making it his own, Patrick had a ball on the stage, hitting the dance moves perfectly and getting the largest applause from the crowd. Singing Robin Thicke and Pharrell’s smash hit ‘Blurred Lines’, Hisia was the most perfect choice for the Big Bad Wolf. Gyrating and moving across the stage, Hisia was crazy, sassy and funny. After this, the princess is found in a coma, lying in a ditch. The princess was not doing too well and was in hospital. The king asked for her godmother’s help. Singing ‘My Immortal’ by Evanescence, Nyambura gave a strong vocal performance. Letting her voice go at the right moments and give the subtlest touches when it was needed, Nyambura sang the song with the perfect emotion. Closing the song down to rapturous applause, there were tears in some eyes. Judge Ian thought that Patrick did not own the song. Judge Ian thought Hisia just shouted. He also thought that Nyambura captured the nuances of the song perfectly and called her performances beautiful. The story continued…. so the prince shows up. With a guitar on his back, Hope came out. Singing Papa Wemba, Hope was in inspired form. The story came to an end with the Prince waking the princess. Joined on the stage by the brass section and percussionist Marvin Maveke, the contestants closed the show with San Fan Thomas’ hit ‘Ti Cha’. Now, it was a time for probation. The Judges decided that all the contestants would be put on probation.

Leisure

All contestants on probation