Rwanda’s Makeda Mahadeo is one of the four judges named over the weekend, who will take over the bench at the inaugural East Africa’s Got Talent show, which is expected to hit the screens next month.
The four, who will join the show host, Ugandan comedienne Anne Kansiime, are renowned TV show host Jeff Koinange, Tanzania songstress Vanessa Mdee, Ugandan radio show host, former Big Brother Africa 2003 contestant, Gaetano Kagwa and Makeda, who is currently a presenter and producer with CNBC Africa.
The judges (L-R) Jeff Koinange, Vanessa Mdee, Makeda Mahade, and Gaetano Kagwa. / Courtesy
The show host, MC and vlogger was named in a colourful ceremony on Saturday, with her co-judges, who will be the faces of the much anticipated reality TV show, which will air in four East African countries of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.
Many took to social media to congratulate Makeda for making it to the bench of the judges for the show, which is similar to the renowned Britain’s Got Talent or America’s Got Talent –this time focusing on East African countries.
Among those who congratulated the media personality is First Daughter Ange Kagame, who tweeted "That’s amazing. Congrats, Mak” in response to the announcement.
The show producer, Lee Ndayisaba, also a renowned Rwandan media personality, said that ‘he could not be happier’ for the show, which will debut on TV on August 4. In Rwanda, Rwanda Television will broadcast the show, which seeks to identify the most talented and brilliant minds in the region.
Commenting on the reveal, Koinange said that he was ‘honoured’ to be named a judge for the first ever East Africa’s Got Talent alongside the other three, pointing out that he is looking forward to work with the amazing team.
Congratulating Makeda, artiste Angel Umutoni said Rwanda will be well represented in the show. "We are super well represented. This is so exciting!” she said on Twitter.
Speaking to The New Times, Makeda said: "I’m proud to be representing Rwanda on this panel. I know this show will inspire people around the region to hone their crafts, and show the rest of the world what we’re made of. This is just the beginning.”
In Kenya, it will be aired on Citizen TV while in Tanzania Clouds Media has the rights to broadcast the show while NBS TV will show it in Uganda. It will be airing on Sunday, 7pm Rwandan time, beginning August 4. The finale will be in October.
The show, which is powered by Safaricom and Coca Cola Africa, is expected to draw massive viewership when it begins airing following auditions which have already taken place.
‘Got Talent’ which is replicated in different parts of the world, is considered the world’s most successful reality TV show.
It was founded by British talent competition judge Simon Cowell and runs in 58 countries, with the four East African countries now joining the list of countries which have participated in the show. The show rewards talent, without discrimination.
The winner will walk away with $50,000.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com