How rapper TK Lyon won Nexters Music Talent Search

Rapper Timothy Shamah, who goes by the stage name TK Lyon, has been crowned the winner of the Tusker Nexters Talent Search. Shamah walks away with a recording, management and distribution concert deal worth Sh1.5 million and Sh500,000 in cash.

The Maseno University student was crowned winner in a unanimous decision by judges Eric Wainaina, Nviiri the Storyteller and Sanaipei Tande in a glittering finale that took place during the Tusker OktobaFest held at the Ngong Racecourse.

Shamah dedicated his win to the people of Kisumu, where he hails, and Kitengela, which is where he lives when he visits the capital.

Speaking after his big win, Shamah said: "When I was selected as one of the Tusker Nexters regional finalists at the auditions in Kisumu, I told the crowd that I would bring this title back to the lakeside city, and that is exactly what I have done. Since being crowned, I have been busy honing my craft and exposing myself to new audiences. Just last week, I was lucky enough to have two gigs that I was scheduled to perform in: one in my hometown of Kisumu, and another one in Eldoret. I am truly grateful."

The finale of the Tusker Nexters Musical Talent Search saw the seven Nexters finalists come of age as artists in their own right.

"Since its official launch in March of this year, The Nexters platform has unearthed some talented individuals from all around the country who we saw battle it out in the regional auditions. We then proceeded to the semi-finals in July, which saw the number of acts come down from 19 to 7.

"OktobaFest has been an excellent opportunity for the Tusker Nexters, even the ones who did not make it to the finals, because they have had the chance to perform in other KBL events. This gives them an opportunity to sharpen their skills and also to grow as independent artists. We are proud of all the Nexters, and we are their biggest fans," said Tusker Brand Manager Catherine Twesigye.