This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
Former Tusker Project Fame judge Ian Mbugua has spoken out about his reputation for being harsh and mean on the music reality show.
Speaking at a past Engage Talk, Mbugua, who now teaches drama and music and manages the theater at the Brookhouse International School, explained that he needed to be 'hardcore' in order to be fit for a reality TV show.
He noted that Kenyans had a bone to pick with him, perceiving him to be unfairly targeting his compatriots on the show, which included contestants from across East Africa.
"Some people ask for your opinion, but when you give them, they don't like it. I like being honest and forthright," Mbugua said.
He further explained that a big reason he was considered mean was that TPF, like many other reality shows, required conflict and drama to be exciting.
"It is reality. It is TV! I could use kinder words, but it would not be nice for television," Mbugua stated.
He added that the show's organizers tried to introduce scripts, but he was quick to turn them away as he felt that the scripts might lose the show's 'flavor'.
"Let me tell you the truth about reality TV. There's nothing real about reality TV, nothing. And all of this was completely unscripted," Mbugua said.
Seven years after the show ended, Ian Mbugua is still the talk of the town, with people remembering him for his blunt opinions on the show.
