COCA-COLA RATED NEXT: Only three make it through day one

By Caroline Ariba

Only three people have made it to the second round of the Coca-Cola Rated Next auditions in Arua after the first day.

By 2pm, contestants Esther and Angel had received a nod from judges Siima Sabitti, Esther Nabaasa and Ken Daniels Kayongo.

After the two, the judges had lost hope that there might be another.

It did not help either that with every other entry came a disappointing audition!


Rated Next Judges Xfm’s Siima Sabiti, Founder Swahili Nation Ken Daniels Kayongo and Project fame winner Esther Nabaasa doing their job at Golden courts Arua. Photo/ Richard Sanya.



One of the contestants at the Coca-Cola Rated Next auditions. PHOTO/Richard Sanya

Threatening lyrics and timid performances were the order of the day.

For example, business man Kennedy was angry at a proverbial man called money, so in rap he said; "…hey Mr. Money, why you wanna leave me…" It took real muscles to hold back the bouts of laughter, but somehow the judges managed.

Just as they thought he had gone silent, he started again; "But Mr. Money boss why you wanna leave."

The contestants' attempts at original compositions were scoffed at by the judges who advised them to leave music alone and do something else. "Concentrate on studies; I don't know about music," Esther Nabaasa told one of the contestants.

When a contestant that called himself Under-raise auditioned, he had judge Ken Daniels Kayongo scared.


A contestant on stage. PHOTO/Richard Sanya

"I am going to sing the song champion. It is my own composition!" Under raise commanded with hands swinging in the air.

"I will be a soldier and champion….I will fight!"  Under raise sung.  When asked why the song, the rather energetic lad responded; "I will go to the bush, get my guns…" That was it, extremely gently, Under raise was asked to leave.  

However, it turned hope was not all lost, and it came in an audition by a one Ratis Solo and his guitar.  

He sung Papa Wemba's Show me the way, living all three judges silent, and the camera crew swaying along.

He was a breath of fresh air. But Ken and Siima advised that he do more vocal practice because he could easily be hiding behind the camera.

In the end, he was the third person to get a nod from the judges, and sadly, the last for the day!

 

Ratis Solo made it to the second round. PHOTO/Richard Sanya

Just before it could be called a wrap, a one Jamila, who had auditioned earlier on, demanded another chance.  "I was nervous," she pleaded. Sadly, not even the second chance could help, and she was advised to try next year.

"You came back too soon; you should have come next year," Ken Daniels Kayongo said.

"I am glad you came back, now I am sure of my no!" Esther Nabaasa said.

Saturday is Day Two of the Arua auditions, and maybe the judges will find more people they will like.


Contestants anxiously waiting for their turn.   PHOTO/Richard Sanya

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