“[katogoaward]”
Nairobi, 21st October, 2013 – Uganda’s duo of Kirya and Mulungi who go by the stage name ‘Undercover Brothers’ were yesterday put on the chopping block by Tusker Project Fame 6 judges with a strong message that East Africa needs superstars, not just good performers in this year’s competition.
The Undercover Brothers are on probation this week alongside Jennifer, Mishel and Fess from Kenya and Bior from South Sudan and it will be interesting to see how East Africa votes with the voting this season based on block votes on a basis of one country one vote.
Making the announcement, Judge Ian stated, “We have put these acts on probation because they were just good and that was as good as mediocre. That is the nature of the competition and the acts on probation should now up their game now.”
The show opened with Kojjo from Uganda taking the stage singing ‘Give Me Hope Joanna’ by Eddie Grant. Kojjo gave it his all, and delivered a good performance despite forgetting his lyrics midway. Next on stage was Angel from Tanzania who sang ‘Sina Maneno’ by the late David Ohingo with lots of verve and gusto with impressive dancing and she clearly enjoyed her performance.
Jennifer from Kenya sang ‘The Way you do the things you do’ by UB40. Jennifer, who struggled with the song all week, walked onto the stage with confidence and did her best. Judge Ian was however not impressed stating that he expected better from her. Phionah from Rwanda was next on stage, singing ‘Wild World’ by Cat Stevens. Phionah’s soft vocals caressed the ears of the audience and everyone swayed along to her smooth vocals. Judge Hermes approved of Phionah’s performance, stating that she has a lot more to give.
Bior came out next performing ‘On Test’ by CJ Oman. He got the crowd rocking with him but his voice let him down, the reason he got onto the probation list. Uganda’s Daisy was next with a spectacular performance of the classic ‘I can’t make you love me’ by Bonnie Rait. Daisy lived up to her billing as ‘the voice to beat’ in this season of Tusker Project Fame as she proved herself a mature songstress. Elegantly dressed in leopard print gown, Daisy’s crescendo sent the audience into frenzy and Uganda will be watching keenly to see if she can bring the UGX 150,000,000 prize money back home.
Next on stage was Hope from Burundi singing ‘What you won’t do, you’ll do for love’ by Bobby Caldwell. Hope sang his heart out, eliciting loud screams from ladies in the audience. The performances went on with Fess from Kenya singing ‘Yesterday’ by The Beatles. Fess was the picture of control and poise, performing the song seated on a stool without background vocals. Judge Ian didn’t like it though, saying the song was bland and “just okay”.
Patrick from Rwanda was next performing ‘Heal our land’ by Jonathan Butler. His performance was so full of spirit, such passion. The crowd kept clapping every so often during his performance. “Beautiful voice, self-control, it was perfect.” Said guest Judge Jean Paul Samputu from Rwanda about Patrick.
Mishel was next performing ‘Waithera’ by Harry Kimani. She looked stunning in her off white chiffon dress, giving a performance that the crowd enjoyed. Mishel enjoyed herself on stage and danced her heart out. Her potential was noted but Judge Hermes noted that she played safe and could have done much more with the song.
Uganda’s best bet for the crown this season, Undercover Brothers, were next on stage. The duo performed ‘Sail On’ by The Commodores. The Undercover Brothers played to their strength and showed of their control of ballads as a duo. It was a relaxed performance that Judge Jean Paul thought was good but believed they would need more voice coaching.
Amos and Josh were up next singing ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams. The upbeat song had the crowd clapping along with the duo from Kenya. They rocked the stage and had the performance of the night. They were the first standing ovation on Tusker Project Fame 6. Judge Ian believed that they were entertaining but they still need to up their game.
The final three performers of the night were Sitenda from Uganda who performed ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ by Carl Douglas, Hisia from Tanzania who performed ‘Love is the message’ by Arthur Baker with Nyambura from Tanzania closing the day’s performances with ‘Something inside so strong’ by Labi Siffre.
So, the show came to an end with the contestants on probation, Mishel, Jennifer and Fess from Kenya, Undercover Brothers from Uganda and Bior from South Sudan urging East Africa to vote for them. Ugandans can vote for the favourite contestants by sending an SMS with the word TUSKER followed by the contestants’ number to 8338. Voting ends on Saturday.
Fess – Tusker 1
Mishel – Tusker 2
Bior – Tusker 3
Under Cover Brothers – Tusker 8
Jennifer – Tusker 15