This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On Saturday, judges for East Africa's 'Got Talent' show were unveiled in Nairobi, marking an exciting new chapter in the region's entertainment scene.
Among the esteemed judges are Tanzanian songbird Vanessa Mdee, veteran Kenyan journalist Jeff Koinange, Ugandan radio presenter, TV host, and actor Gaetano Kagwa, and Rwandese DJ Makeda Mahadeo.
Hosted by Ugandan comedian Kansime, the show will feature over 21,000 contestants from Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, who have undergone rigorous auditions in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa.
Only 18 contestants will make it to the finals, with the winner walking away with a $50,000 (Ksh5 million) prize.
The show will air on Citizen TV starting August 4, with the finals set for October.
Vanessa Mdee, who was discovered through a talent show herself, expressed her excitement about being part of the show, saying, "Being part of this gives me fullness because I was also discovered from a talent search competition. This experience makes me feel so special and I assure people they will love this."
Founded by British TV producer Simon Cowell, 'Got Talent' has become a global phenomenon, running in 59 countries, including the four East African nations.
Put together by Tanzanian Clouds TV, Coca Cola, Safaricom, and Rapid Blue, a South African production company behind 'South Africa Got Talent', the 'East Africa Got Talent' show is set to captivate audiences across the region.
