A major milestone was reached in Uganda’s music industry with the launch of the Bongo Star Search in Kampala. The Tanzanian talent show, now in its 15th edition, has expanded beyond its home base for the first time and will now be held across East Africa. Contestants from Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Congo will compete for the grand prize, making this year’s theme aptly titled: “Beyond Borders – Si Mchezo” (This is no joke).
At a press conference held at the StarTimes offices, Rita Paulsen, the CEO of Bongo Star Search and a renowned Tanzanian television personality, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, expressed her excitement.
“We are thrilled that the Bongo Star Search has crossed borders. The talent in Uganda and other East African countries is immense, and we are eager to give them a platform,” she said.
Ugandan auditions are set to take place on November 23-24 at Kati Kati, with five lucky contestants advancing to the final competition in Tanzania. A total of 40 contestants from the region will head to Tanzania for the next stage. Ugandan youth who believe they have what it takes are encouraged to participate in the free auditions, with Paulsen noting that while the entry is free, appearance and stage presence will be critical for contestants.
Ugandan music lovers will be thrilled to know that Lilian Mbabazi, a celebrated local artiste, will be part of the esteemed judging panel, alongside Paulsen, Master J, and Salama from Tanzania. The competition will feature not only promising talent but also jaw-dropping rewards. Although Paulsen did not reveal the exact prize amount, she hinted that the cash prize would be at least $10,000 (about Shs36.5m). Last year’s winner took home the same amount and a land title of two acres.
Aldrine Nsubuga, the vice president of StarTimes, highlighted the resurgence of reality TV in Uganda, saying: “Reality shows are performing incredibly well here. Just look at the success of the Miss Uganda contest and the popular shows that recently aired on Makula and Makula Kika.”
The Bongo Star Search has long been a launching pad for Tanzanian superstars such as Phyna, Vanessa Mdee, and Harmonize, even if they did not win the top prize.
As the competition stretches its reach into Uganda and beyond, organisers hope it will become a platform for East Africa’s brightest stars.
Auditions in Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo will be held online, with the first episode expected to air on December 1.