KAMPALA – Sandra Nansambu was crowned the Pearl of Africa (POA) tourism ambassador after emerging the winner of the first Season finale in the star search that was concluded on Sunday August 8, 2021 at Commonwealth Speke Resort in Munyonyo.
The search was 11 weeks of breathtaking performances, musical training, and Tourism Adventure.
18-year old Nansambu got the highest score from the judges after an outstanding performance and excellence in the tourism challenge, to beat out the other top 5 talents walking home with the coveted Grand prize package worth Ugx 60,000,000/= including a recording contract from TAG studios, Professional artist management and PR, collaborations, destination trips and the paid role of Tourism Ambassador.
The contestants put up exhilarating performances. Tony Agami kick started the evening with “This is why I love you” by Major. His Theatrical ensemble complete with a living room set and a contemporary dancer pulling off an engagement proposal, as he expresses his love for her, while managing to maintain excellent vocals was thrilling.
Bruce Dickson, who calls himself ‘Omuyilibi’ brought his A-game to the stage, with an energetic performance of Sauti Sol’s ‘Sura Yako’, which excited the judges, with Navio notably remarking that he’s one of the few artists who can pull off a 3 hour straight energetic performance.
Eastern Uganda was represented by Ibrahim Balunywa who delivered an out of this world performance, strumming his guitar to the sounds of John Blaq’s ‘Ebyalagirwa’.
Balunywa did not also miss the chance to recreate any song into his own masterpiece, with his iconic Lusoga rap. He not only owns the stage, but the band too, that he perfectly blends into. The multi-talented POA star finalist that Navio has time and again, termed a full artist, serenaded the judges and online audience off their feet.
Tracy Mirembe from the Central region who was dressed like a performer from the classic 80’s, did a sensual rendition of Iryn Namubiru’s ‘Nkwagala Nyo’ that got Judge Cindy and Lydia Jasmine from the Jury feel like they have a run for their money, as a new diva is in the rising.
Judge Bismac described Tracy as an embodiment of beauty, talent and knowledge in one package.
The most emotional act of the day, Sandra Nansambu from the Central region brought judges and the entire jury to tears but also left them in awe with her strong vocals in Whitney Houston’s ‘Greatest Love of all’. She featured persons with disabilities and children in her performance to bring out her message of inclusion and inspiration that ‘Disability is not inability’. She got a standing ovation from the judges and jury.
The final performance of the night gave more than a competition act, but a show to remember.
Doing a mix of Philly Lutaaya’s ‘Born in Africa’ and Yemi Alade’s ‘Africa’,Yesuanjagala Carsten sealed the show with an entertaining dance and mellow voiced performance that got him all positive comments from all the judges and jury.
The Pearl of Africa Star Search grand finale also had performances from Spice Diana, Navio, Joanitah Kawalya and Cindy.
