SINGER PATRICK NYAMITARI has launched a talent search to scout young talents willing to join him in the fight against unwanted pregnancies, especially among teenagers.

The project consists of ‘Impuruza Contest’, a music competition where participants will contest through various rounds towards a grand finale, Nyamitari told The New Times.

The gospel-turned-secular artiste added that teen motherhood is a vital concern the society, and artists in particular, cannot take lightly.

"We artistes are the eye of the society through music and lyrics. We cannot keep quiet when the future of the youth who are a big part of our fan base is being affected by all kinds of issues especially this one we are talking about," he said during the interview

The contest will be held virtually as a measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, he noted.

Participants should be between 12 and 21 years old. To take part, they are required to register by submitting a one-minute video stating their names and singing any song of their choice. 

The videos are posted on social media including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #Impuruzacontest and tagging @pndreamland and @artrwanda_art. The submission window has been open since January 11 and will be closed on January 18, after which a panel of judges  will select and announce those who must proceed to continue to the next stage.

All winners of this round will receive a prize of Rwf100, 000.

The three top winners of the contest will be awarded Rwf500, 000, Rwf300, 000 and Rwf200, 000. They will also be granted free audio and video production, after which they will also be collaborating with Nyamitari to continue the campaign against unintended pregnancies, especially among the youth, through music and entertainment.

The R&B star is carrying out the project through his entertainment company, PN Dreamland.

The Niwe Mesiya hit maker said he is looking for talented young boys and girls with a musical capacity and the passion of using their talent in creating positive change in the society.

Impuruza project was selected from a pool of 23 by the CCI Recovery fund under the Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Youth through the Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi initiative to support the arts and entertainment industry greatly shaken by the pandemic.

Patrick Nyamitari, 35, spans more than a decade of a successful career which peaked to stardom after participating in Tusker Project Fame in its Season 6 finale in 2013.