Coca-Cola Rated Next returns for Season 3

By Carol Kasujja

IT is one of those shows that comes with such hype and lives up to it. It is the most famous singing contest in Uganda, yes; we are talking Coca-Cola Rated Next. Sing it.

The third Coca-Cola Rated Next competition in which the winner will walk away with sh 50m, a recording contract and an Ipad, is back.

“This season is going to be one to remember. As Vision Group, we promise that we are going to take the brand to the audience and you will get back your returns because we are the number one media house in Uganda,” said Vision Group’s CEO, Robert Kabushenga at the launch of the contest.

This season’s leg, running in conjunction with Vision Group’s Urban TV, was launched today at the home of Century Bottling Company in Namanve, the makers of Coca-Cola and the show’s main sponsors.

Rated Next Season  2 winner Ruth Grace entertains at the event. Photo by Francis Emorut

“We are excited to partner with Vision Group once again. We are calling upon all those who are interested to join. Do not be afraid, if you can sing, come and join because you never succeed if you do not try out,” said Norton Kingwill, Coca-Cola’s country manager.

There will be judges to help in the elimination process, while artists and instructors will be on hand to instruct finalists on various aspects of their music career.

X-FM’s Siima Sabiti returns as a judge with Tusker Project Fame Season Two winner Esther Nabaasa and Ken Kalyango, the founder and member of Swahili Nation.

Century Bottling country manager Norman Kingwill expressed his excitement to partner with Vision Group once again. Photo by Francis Emorut

Former finalist Kenneth Mugabi entertains at the event. Photo by Francis Emorut

“I have been a judge for 3years and this time I am excited that I have a lady on the panel who is also a winner of a similar contest, we are going to do our best to get the best,” Sabiiti said.

Malaika Nnyanzi, is this year’s Rated Next host. The competitions will be showing on Vision Group TV stations — Urban TV, Bukedde TV, Bukedde 2, and TV West.

The first stop over this season will be in Arua on the weekend of April 10th and 11th, and hopefuls can show up at the auditions venue and do their best to impress the judges.

After the Arua auditions, look out for six more across the country, in places like Lira, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Jinja, Mbale and Kampala.

The launch was graced by Season 2 winner, Ruth Grace who delighted the audience with her songs “Little Light” and “Nesiimye”. 

Season 1 top ten finalist, Kenneth Mugabi, now an accomplished afro-soul artiste, also displayed his vocal skills with his song “Nambi”.