It may not match the flair and glamour that Miss Rwanda seems to embody, but the ongoing Mister Rwanda contest, which is happening for the first time in the country, is proving to be promising competition should organisers not give up after just one edition. The race for the inaugural men’s pageant crown commenced last week with provincial auditions which opened in Rwamagana on Friday, March 25, in search of Eastern Province representatives. The aspirants in the first place showed much interest in the crown during the registration which significantly attracted hundreds. However, only a few turned up at each of the past three auditions. For instance, only 14 aspirants out of 67 who registered were able to show up for the Eastern province auditions held at Dereva Hotel, and five were given a nod from the provincial jury comprised of local radio presenter, Aissa Cyiza, fashion guru Sunday Justin and Chear Sebudwege . They include Dismas Rukundo, Didier Gatsinzi, Francis Mutangana, Faustin Mugisha and Regis Ngiruwonsanga. Meanwhile, Northern Province auditions held Saturday at Fatima Hotel in Musanze District attracted seven contestants namely Yves Mahoro Rwego, Patrick Mugero, Jonathan Manzi Rukundo, Theogene Nibamwe, Jules Maurice Ngabo, Patient Amani and Valentin Tuyishiwe. Eventually, they all managed to pass through to the next round of the contest. The same venue hosted the Western Province auditions which saw 11 contestants attending but eight secured a PASS to represent the province in the next rounds. They include Jimmy Mugunga, Jean Pierre Musafiri, Moise Iradukunda, James Muhumuza, Patrick Ndayisaba, Hamadi Yasini, Boaz Mugisha and Venant Twagirimana. Organisers and the jury travel to Huye today in search of Southern Province representatives before concluding the auditions in Kigali. Apart from the crown, the winner of the inaugural Mister Rwanda will walk away with a car, whose brand is yet to be confirmed, and a 12-month apartment accommodation among other prizes. He will also represent Rwanda in international contests, like Mister Africa. Themed ‘Bravery, Brain and Culture’, Mister Rwanda is organised by Imanzi Limited to give young men a chance to shine through the pageant. Young men aspiring to take part in the Mister Rwanda contest must be Rwandan, aged between 18 and 30 years, a high school graduate and must have a clean criminal record. Physical appearance and cultural values are also taken into consideration.
