DAVID ODONGO witnessed how Safaricom went musically to the beach as Tusker crowned new musical star

East Africa crowned new musical prodigy in Ugandan contestant Davis Hillary Ntare as curtains came down on Tusker Project Fame 4.

The grand finale show was marked with super performances from some of East Africa’s finest stars. Davis garnered more votes than Msechu, Steve and Amileena in a hotly contested grand finale. His story is one of perseverance and determination as he was sent back home during TPF 3’s opening show.

For TPF4, he auditioned in Nairobi having missed Kampala auditions whilst visiting his grandmother upcountry. He finally made it into the Academy and was so overwhelmed with emotion during this year’s opening gala night that he took to his knees in gratitude.

The surprise act of the evening was Juliana Kanyamozi’s performance. Backed by Aaron Rimbui band, the Tooro Princess clad in black tight jeans and heels took to the stage and belted out a soulful love ballad as ecstatic fans watched, with mouths agape. The crowning moment was when Kidum appeared on stage and together, sang hit song, Haturudi Nyuma.

They ended the show with Kidum lying flat on his back, with Juliana standing next to him, as he pleaded for another chance in the relationship.

Exit the queen, enter the king of Bongo Matonya featuring Steven on the hit song, Anita before Msechu brought the house down, and into stitches with the rendition, Napenda Nipate Nafasi composed by Kilwa Jazz Band, an oldie but goldie from back home in Tanzania. In his trademark comical style, he crooned to judge Juliana, expressing his wish to marry her, and while at that, "give her three kids" at which Juliana could only blush.

It was a tense moment when the four contestants stood on stage awaiting verdict on who will be the next TPF winner.

Ssebo wins

The tension heightened when Steve and Amileena took third and fourth places respectively. Standing under the harsh glare of stage lights as well as the uninterrupted flash of camera lights, Msechu held Davis’ shoulder, his finger twitching. It was a purely emotional moment when Davis was declared the winner, taking home the Sh5million grand prize.

It had been indeed an overwhelming experience for the lad who couldn’t make it to the final cut during the auditions. In fact, he was dismissed after his first performance. In a quivering voice, Davis thanked East Africans for voting for him. In a very emotional and touching speech, he thanked his parents, the TPF faculty as well as the fans for their support.

As Davis was up on stage, draped in Ugandan flag, his relatives couldn’t hide their excitement as they vigorously danced. He was the last performer of the night with his own choice of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean and he gave his usual energetic performance as he danced with his back up dancers, injecting some of MJ’s better-known dance moves.

This is the second time Uganda is landing the prize. Esther Nabaasa won TPF2. TPF3 was won by Alpha from Rwanda and now Davis beat 14 contestants to emerge the overall winner of Tusker Project Fame 4.

As Tusker Project Fame reached the zenith, highly successful Safaricom Kenya Live concert attracted thousands of fans in Mombasa. The Mombasa ASK Show Ground was a beehive of activities as Kenya’s finest musicians Nameless, Wyre, MOG, Ally B, Juliani and Ken Wa Maria thrilled the coastal city. The Altimate Band and Blayvon backed up the musicians.

Safaricom branded the whole ASK Grounds green, with the new Safaricom musical advert playing intermittently. By 4pm, crowds had already started to mill around the entrance but one had to buy Safaricom scratch cards to gain access.

The show kicked off with Clan B. It seems the rehearsal and voice lesson by Kavutha finally paid off as the trio mesmerized crowds with their gospel song. Although relatively unknown, the trio gave a scintillating performance before Tiera G stepped on stage. With eye catching dance moves, a soothing voice and commanding stage presence, the queen of Mombasa didn’t disappoint. After her came in Bango king Mzee Ngala. The veteran saxophonist belted out tunes as the crowd cheered him on. He left the stage to a standing ovation as Nameless stepped in.

Although he started with his earlier hit, Megarider and Hot Stepper among others, the crowds finally got into the mood when he embarked on his latest hits, Salari and Sunshine, driving girls wild before ending his act with Sinzia.

Showstopper

MOG stepped up on stage with No Letting Go. With synchronised dance moves, undeniable stage presence and heavy assistance from Altimate Band, MOG stole the show.

Coast’s favourite Ally B then got onto the stage to a Giriama song before belting his hit, Maria, to the crowd that kept pressing forward, trying to get close to their star.

Wahu then took to the stage, belting out the hits, Running Low as well as Sweet Love. Wyre was next with hit after hit. The showstopper was Ken wa Maria. The Benga artiste had fans screaming hoarsely as he belted out favourite hits Syindu sya Mutongoi.

Last on stage was Juliani. The dreadlocked gospel rapper gave an energetic performance, singing his heart out in Biceps.