After 11 weeks of training, performing and celebrating Ugandan tourism, Ms Sandra Nansambu emerged the winner of the first Season finale of the Pearl of Africa (POA) Star Search on Sunday August 8, 2021.

Ms Nansambu received the majority ranking from the competition’s judges and beat 5 other top contenders to a Shs 60M prize that entailed a cash prize, a recording contract from TAG studios, Professional artist management and PR, collaborations, destination trips and the paid role of a Tourism Ambassador joining the likes of Joshua Cheptegei, Eddie Kenzo and Zari Hassan.

In case you missed the finale, you should find it online and watch it to have a better appreciation of the level of talent in music that our country is blessed with. Every one among the top contenders truly deserved to take the prize, but there can only be one winner.

Northern Uganda’s Tony Agami opened the night’s solo acts with “This is why I love you” by Major. His performance, a melting one for the love-birds if you ask me, was one I’d choose for an opener again and again. He managed to pull off an engagement proposal in the process but still maintained his voice. A genius.

Bruce Dickson, who calls himself “Omuyilibi” chose Kenyan group Sauti Sol’s “Sura Yako” and sang it with so much energy that one of the judges (Navio) credited him for the effort. Navio said Omuyilibi is the only artiste that can maintain the same massive energy in a straight 3-hour performance.

Ibrahim Balunywa represented Eastern Uganda in and out when he took out his guitar and impressed the audience with John Blaq’s “Ebyalagirwa”.

Dressed like a performer from the classic 80’s, Central star, Tracy Mirembe did a sensual rendition of Iryn Namubiru’s “Nkwagala Nyo” and according to some music critics had judges Cindy and Lydia Jazmine scared of the competition she’s bringing to their table.

The eventual winner, Sandra Nansambu from the Central region, was then to bring the most emotional act of the night when she came out with Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of all”. She featured persons with disabilities and children in her performance to portray inclusion and inspiration that “Disability is not inability”. She earned a standing ovation from the judges.

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 performance filled with dance.

The Pearl of Africa Star Search was sponsored by MTN Uganda, Coca Cola, NBS, Talent Africa, Radiant, Graphic Systems, House of DJs, Uganda Talent Management Association, TAG Studios, Uganda Musicians Association and Uganda (The Pearl Of Africa).