This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
East Africa's Got Talent Season 1: A Thrilling Journey to the Finale ¶
The first season of East Africa's Got Talent premiered on August 4th, 2019, and has been a rollercoaster of emotions for contestants and viewers alike.
The show, hosted by Ugandan comedienne Anne Kansiime, features a diverse panel of judges from each participating country, including Tanzania's Vanessa Mdee, Kenya's Jeff Koinange, Uganda's Gaetano Kagwa, and Rwanda's DJ Contact Makeda.
The preliminary auditions attracted large crowds of eager contestants, who traveled to major towns in their countries to showcase their talents. The theatre auditions ran for close to three weeks, with episodes 1-6 derived from these auditions.
Among the standout performers in the first week were Kenya's Janell Tamara, Uganda's dance group All Eyes On Us, Himbaza Club, and Afro-fusion singer Elisha the Gift from Rwanda, and The Mason 666 dance group from Tanzania.
The first week also saw the first Golden Buzzer awarded to Jehovah Shalom Acapella, who made it to the finalist's list alongside Janell Tamara.
As the competition progressed, the number of contestants making it into the semis grew, with talented acts like Esther & Ezekiel from Uganda, Yada Dance and Tetemesha from Kenya, Lizzy from Tanzania, Intayoberana from Rwanda, and Leyna Kagere from Uganda impressing the judges.
Uganda's Leyna Kagere effortlessly secured the elusive Golden Buzzer, while others making the cut into the finals from the cut-throat semis included Peace Hosiyana, Spellcast, and Team Makorokocho from Rwanda, and the Ugandan sensation DNA.
On Sunday, October 6th, at 7:30 pm EAT, the region's crème de la crème will gather on Citizen TV for the East Africa Got Talent Season 1 finale. Don't miss it!
