The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
The Presenter Season 2 opened its doors on January 10th where 6000 hopefuls were invited for the two-day audition at Standard Group Centre along Mombasa road. Starting as early as 5:30am and closing at midnight, 300 of them made it to the second round of auditions which saw only 100 through. After detailed selection the academy took in 21 contestants.
It was an intense 15 weeks of constant training. The second season had two categories, which made it easier for the contestants to know what they were signing up for.
They were trained in different essential concepts each week, which led to a challenge and later an elimination based on performance and dedication. The training included image presentation, basic camera work, sound, lighting, body language and public speaking.
The coaches included key players in the media industry the likes of Catherine Kasavuli, Connie Aluoch, John Mwendwa and Lillian Odera. The grand finale, which kicked off at 7:15pm last Saturday, was a splendid live show with a cocktail theme accompanied by live entertainment by Lele Band and refreshments.
The top 17 contestants were each awarded certificates by the Standard Group CEO Sam Shollei.
“We are about to welcome two presenters home, we might consider the other two as well,” said Shollei as he gave his speech.
The final four, including Richard Onyango and Abula Ahmed, were granted royal treatment at the Boma Hotel where they had assembled ahead of the grand finale. They relaxed and let loose and played a few games together.
Their arrival at the dome was one of a kind as they came in a motorcade complete with powerful motorcycles and a police escort. The icing on the cherry was the flashing cameras, placards, cheering of supporters and of course the red-carpet.
The moment of truth was one filled with tension as the four had no idea what to expect but the supporters kept chanting their fans names.
“The whole zoo is awake in my stomach,” a nervous Michelle told the host, Eric Latiff.
The vetting had been done by an external firm and Standard Group CEO Shollei called out the winners. Jamal who had the most supporters present at the dome was carried shoulder high.
Beauty might lie on the eyes of the beholder but it is clear that the winners were also easy on the eye. On being asked if they thought they won due to their looks, Jamal said: “I was crowned because of my talent and we have seen that throughout in the academy but I thank God for the looks, they might have given me an upper hand.”
“I also do not think the looks count because there were quite a number of good looking people who left the competition as well,” he added.
Richard seemed to have handled the defeat quite gracefully as he afforded a smile through the rest of the evening taking photos with supporters. Later on his Facebook he stated “Don’t be sad. I know I am extremely happy. I don’t need validation. God has his time and it will always be perfect. Thank you. Forever grateful”.
It was Abula who was however overcome by emotions and broke down for a moment but later on he seemed to handle it quite well. He had this to say to his supporters via Facebook as well “Jumbe ninazopata kutoka kwenu zinaugusa moyo wangu, najua tulitia bidii, tukazidisha kampeni, tukapiga kura kwa wingi lakini Mungu alikuwa amepanga lake ambalo Katu halipingiki. Ninachoamini ni kuwa likuepukalo lina heri nawe. Nawaahidi ngoma itaendelea kutambaa na tunarudi hivi karibuni kwa kishindo. Shukran za dhati kwenu nyote.”(I am touched by your messages; I know we put in the effort in campaigning and voting but God had His indisputable plan. I believe what evades you means well. I promise that the show goes on and we will be back with a bang. Thank you all.)”
