As the curtains came down at the 2019 Miss Supranational finals at Kigali Serena Hotel, on Sunday, Shanita Munyana was a hot toast, claiming her crown, and a cheque of Rwf1 million.

Munyana came out top after battling it out with 14 other beauties and a stiff competition it was.

The newly crowned beauty queen was rendered speechless after her win and she could only say, "I have no words to describe what I’m feeling right now.” But she was clearly overjoyed with her prestigious new title.

She will represent Rwanda at the Miss Supranational International beauty pageant to be held in Poland, in December 2019.

Shanita Umunyana after being crowned Miss Supranational Rwanda 2019

The event that was supposed to start at 6:30pm, but delayed for 3 hours, also saw Aastasie Umutoniwase emerging 1st runner up, and Sandrine Umwali as 2nd runner-up, bagging Rwf500,000, and Rwf300,000 respectively.

Anifa Umufite came in the 3rd position, and Yvette Magambo as 4th runner-up, having been crowned Miss Personality earlier on.

The entertainment for the evening was characterised music and dance by talented jazz and blues singer, Alyn Sano.

One of the contestants modelling at the event on Sunday night.

And after deliberating the judges, who included Akiwacu Colombe, Miss Rwanda 2014, Sunday Justin, director of Igitenge fashion, Christelle Mucyo, Manager of Mwiseneza Josiane, and Sabrina Isimbi, Miss Supranational International 2012, decided that Munyana takes the crown home and was best suited to represent Rwanda in Poland come December.

The show was graced by renowned UK-based Rwandan choreographer and actress Sherrie Silver, who was applauded for promoting Rwanda’s entertainment industry to the international scene.

In an interview with The New Times shortly after the ceremony, Umunyana thanked everyone that supported her throughout the journey, and promised to use her position to fulfill her project of supporting young girls.

Renown choreographer Sherrie Silver was also graced the high end event

"I want to thank everyone, my mother, friends, and God, for having enabled me to win the pageant, because without their support, I wouldn’t have made it,’’ she said as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.  The 19-year-old, hopes to bring the 2019 Miss Supranational crown home, and we wish her all the best.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com