After weeks of singing their hearts out as they explore Uganda, finalists of Pearl of Africa Star Search will this weekend sing for the grand prize of Shs. 60m. Pearl of Africa Star Search is a unique talent show designed to promote Uganda’s musical talent and tourism. The finale will be a live show to air on NBS TV from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.
The winner will walk away with a grand prize worth shillings 60,000,000, which includes a cash prize, recording contract, music videos, talent management, collaborations, marketing, flights, tourism trips and more.
So, who will be crowned winner?
Let’s get up close and personal with the 6 finalists.
Yesuanjagala Carsteen (Code: POA25)
Yesuanjagala Carsteen is a student representing the central region of Uganda. His music journey runs as far back as age 6 when he’d lead songs in Sunday school as well as school events, but the passion never ran dry, clearly. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Music at the African Institute of Music.
Carsteen’s soulful sound is influenced by Maurice Kirya, Bruno Mars and Jonathan McReynolds. These, plus all the challenges presented to him by his mentors during the show, have contributed to his growth as an artist.
He looks forward to continuing to make music regardless of the outcome this Sunday. He’s ready to take the things he learnt while at bootcamp to take his music career to the next level. He credits God, as well as friends and family for the support he has had through this journey in this project. He adds that he has benefited a lot from Mckenzie’s mentorship.
Bruce Dickson (Code: POA12)
Bruce is a sales and marketing consultant. He’s a self-taught musician who got to where he is by listening to different artists and singing along to them. His first time being recognized for his performance skills was during school assembly one day in Primary 6. After being singled out for his cheeky behaviour, he was challenged to entertain the crowd, and he did! Bruce sang and danced to the then popular song Calypso, leaving his peers roaring in cheers.
During his time on Pearl of Africa Star Search, he has identified his sound and how to direct his energy into the competitive spirit of the music industry.
Influenced by music mavens like Apass, Kenneth Mugabi and Lionel Richie, he is determined to win hearts of judges and fans by applying the many lessons he learnt during bootcamp. Be sure to watch his best performance yet this Sunday. Exploring Uganda ( the Gorilla Trekking experience) is a notable highlight for him and he plans to do more of it going forward.
Balunywa Ibrahim (Code: POA08)
Ibrahim is an entrepreneur, producer and performer from Eastern Uganda. He discovered his love for music through listening to soft rock and Eminem, which were introduced to him by his siblings. He later turned to YouTube and short online courses to train more. He credits this experience for the confidence he has had all through the show.
The experience, however, has been an invaluable opportunity for him to grow even more and believe in himself. He is confident, at this point, that his authenticity as well as incessant practicing have brought him this far, and by God’s grace hopes to emerge victor. His tourism experiences were enlightening, the highlight being the Kapchorwa chapter.
Agami Tonny Timothy (Code: POA03)
Timothy was already actively working in the music industry prior to coming on the show, with a history in producing, songwriting and deejaying. Hailing from the Northern region of Uganda, heis inspired by musical acts like Buju Banton, Peter Miles and Cindy, clearly pointing at his love for dancehall music style. His love for music started from home with his entire family being music lovers, but got solidified during School MDD competitions which fired up his artistic side.
He credits his close family for their support as well as God, for bringing him this far in the competition. He has garnered a wealth of knowledge thanks to the show’s boot camp and mentorship process.
Nansambu Sandra Code (POA06)
Sandra is a student and performing artist hailing from the Central Region of Uganda. To her, music is a God-given talent that has been nurtured both at school and in church, and her experience at the POA bootcamp has just added to what she already had. The experience has been challenging, inspirational and a path for self-identification. She has gained confidence, professionalism and industry experience from the competition.
Her highlight from bootcamp was the mentoring sessions. Gorilla trekking and exploring the source of the Nile stand out as highlights. She intends to channel all these experiences into her music and collaborate with other talented acts to put out some great music.
Mirembe Tracy (Code: POA15)
Coming from the Central region, Tracy describes herself as a student first but a musician at heart. Her biggest music influence is Irene Ntale. Her musical talent was first discovered during school, singing during talent shows. The POA experience, she admits, has boosted her confidence and also offered her invaluable music knowledge.
Her personal highlights from the experience include creating the ‘Hope’ Song as well as Zip lining during bootcamp. She is ready to use her newfound confidence, tourism knowledge and patience to become the next Ugandan music star.
Don’t miss the Grand finale this Sunday 8th August on @nbstelevision or via the POAStarSearch’s YouTube channel from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.
