The talent search for future gospel music stars is underway across the country and, after Kayonza in Eastern Province, Musanze in Northern Province and Rubavu, it’s now Rusizi’s turn as pre-selection resumes in Western Province this weekend from October 29-30.

Dubbed ‘Rise and Shine World (RSW) Talent Hunt’, the talent search is organised by Rise and Shine World Ministries, a Christian Ministry founded by Australia-based Rwandan bishop Justin Alain.

The first of its kind in Rwanda, the contest seeks to unearth new talents in the gospel music industry nationwide.

"One of Rise and Shine World Ministry’s initiatives is supporting creative talents, especially in music. That’s why we are looking for aspiring artists who have talent with the potential to shine in gospel music,” said Aaron Niyomwungeri, one of the organisers of the contest.

"We want to see new talents getting exposure on the gospel music scene through this new talent search concept,” he added.

A total of 83 contestants have so far been selected in the past three pre-selection exercises. They include 22 in Eastern Province, 26 in Northern Province and 35 in one part of Western Province auditions held in Rubavu with Rusizi now the auditions' next stop.

After Rusizi, the auditions will shift to Kigali from November 5-6 and conclude in Southern Province on November 12-13.

Contestants who will pass the pre-selection will progress to the quarterfinals, then the semifinals with 12 finalists who will progress to the grand finale scheduled in February.

The winner of the contest will be awarded a cash prize of Rwf10,000,000. The first runner-up will walk away with Rwf3,000,000 while the second runner-up will pocket Rwf1,000,000.