Abbey rising star project to award Rwandan musicians

Yesterday, Abbey Media Group unveiled contestants of its inaugural music contest, dubbed “Abbey Media Stars,’’ which will be recognising the best upcoming Rwandan musicians between the ages of 16 and 30. The media firm, which mainly deals in visual image production, is looking at selecting and awarding three winners in the categories of Best Male Singer, Best Female Singer and a superstar who promises to shine in diverse skills. The winner will have to beat 17 other contestants who have reached the finals. Those who will make it through will be rewarded with talent management contracts to grow their careers. The talent initiative, which is similar to the regional Tusker Project Fame, American Idols in the U. Sor X Factor, was inaugurated to the public at Nobleza Hotel in Kicukiro with short speeches, dialogues and interludes of performances. During the evening, some of the key talent who will take part in the competition were unveiled with the vocals and skills on music instruments leaving many in awe Those who wowed revellers include Noella Izere who performed ‘Humura Rwanda’ originally done by Kamaliza, to the delight of the audience. Others who impressed include Preston Kwizera and Ellie Ston Vocal. Chouchou Mihigo during the unveiling. The full list of contestants includes Binego T Extra, Gideon Bwanakweli, Cyiza E ‘Kiz B’, Derrick Marvin, Chris Dusabe, Ellie Ston Vocal, Kaycee Karengera, Preston Kwizera and Igor Mabano. Others include Joseph Mapendo, Victor Mporera, Willy Mucyo, Steven Munyurangabo, Yves Mutangana, Ellie Mutarambirwa, Angelique Mutoni, Christian Ndayisaba, Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, Honorine Uwera, Mixa Tuyishime, Aimable Semukanya, Cedrick Shema, Consolee Ruhimbaza and Patient Rucakatsi. The launch attracted local celebrities like Chris Cheetah, a renowned music producer in Rwanda, drive cinematographer Gilbert ‘The Benjamins’ Kwisanga, Francois Chouchou Mihigo, the veteran singer who currently serves as the president of Rwandan musicians. Speaking to the media, Mihigo called on the contestants to compete fairly as members of Rwandan family while insisting on producing the originality and beauty of Rwandan traditional style in order to help take it to the international level. “Traditional Rwandan music can make it to the international level but most musicians today are focusing on modern music. More focus should be put on our traditional music,” Mihigo said. According to Balamulugan Rajanopal, the lead organiser and the CEO of Abbey Media, the rehearsals kicked off Saturday at the Manor Hotel. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Abbey rising star project to award Rwandan musicians