By Our Reporter
True to its purpose, A Ka Dope set out to provide a platform for undiscovered artists to explore their potential. This year in a talent search dubbed ‘A Ka Dope Stars’, the organisers will be looking for Uganda’s next music star with the support of 101 Music, Uganda Waragi and Roke Telecom making it possible for them to walk away with a music recording deal and a cash prize of UGX 2 million.
The first episode of the talent search aired online on Sunday night with 3 artists, Haddad Nsubuga, Mitchy and Bella under the mentorship of talented songstress Naava Grey.
One of the highlights of the show was a joint performance of Naava Grey’s hit ballad ‘Soka Lami’ giving the contestants the opportunity to showcase their vocal range alongside their mentor.
Each contestant was tasked with performing one cover and one original composition. During the episode, the fans were also able to have some insight into the contestants, listening to their life stories and their recounts of how they got into music.
The curtain was opened by Hadad Nsubuga aka Haddy singing Azizi’s Nkumila Omukwano. Haddy who is a warehouse attendant proved to the revellers that talent is like money, it can be found anywhere. He sealed his performance with his original composition titled Omwana, and this according to him, is inspired by a true love story.
After Haddy, the audience witnessed another energetic performer, Mitchy. According to Mitchy, she started her career as early as her high school days, the afro-pop enthusiast performed her original composition titled Lies, based on her personal experience with men. Mitchy hopes that the platform will be her breakthrough on the entertainment scene.
The premier episode was sealed off by an electronic contestant, Isabel Namubiru. The Uganda Airlines air hostess started with Witney Houston’s Dancing with somebody cover and concluded with her song titled Believer which said was her story as she struggled with self-esteem issues in her earlier life.