EAGT winners Esther and Ezekiel to build orphanage

LIFESTYLE

The singing duo the Mutesasiras, 14-year-old Esther and 11-year-old Ezekiel. The two, who are siblings, won East Africa's Got Talent' competition. Reagan Ssempijja had a chat with them before they were announced winners.

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ESTHER

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Esther Pretty Mutesasira, a daughter of gospel artiste Julie Mutesasira. Besides being on TV recently, I'm just a normal young girl like anyone else.

 Does Esther go to school currently?

Oh yes, I'm a student at Hannah International School. I'm in grade 10 which is the equivalent of Senior Two.

When did you discover you were a talented singer?

One day, my auntie, Gladys Babirye, recorded me singing a Juliana Kanyomozi gospel song without my knowledge. She later shared the video with me and told me I was a star in the making. From that day, I realised the talent I had. 

Which musician have you always admired?

I used to mime Juliana Kanyomozi's gospel songs. As I grew older, I had passion for Whitney Houston's music and up to now, she is my role model. Her music makes me sing from the heart and whenever I sing from the heart, I bring out the best in me. 

When was the first time you competed as a singer?

In 2017, during my Primary Seven, there was the Uganda Has Talent competition. My auntie, Babirye, advised Ezekiel and I to join the competition. Ezekiel was number one and I was the fourth. 

How did you join ‘East Africa's Got Talent'?

It all started with our auntie. One day, she was watching a video on Facebook about an advert of East Africa's Got Talent. We recorded a video of ourselves singing which we submitted and that is how we joined the competition. 

How did you feel stepping on such a big stage?

Oh my God! I was so frightened. I looked at the crowd and the judges when we were in Nairobi. I felt it was going to be so hard for me to pull off a good performance. However, as soon as we started singing, I gained confidence and before we even finished the song, the audience was already screaming for us.

What should East Africa expect from you in the finals? 

They should just expect to be blown away. I strongly believe we shall win the competition.

EZEKIEL

When did you start singing?

My mum tells me I started singing when I was one year old. I would sing songs like Baby Jesus around the house all day. 

Who taught you how to sing like that?

By the way, no one has ever trained us how to sing, not even our mum. For us, it is just a born talent given to us by God.

Why do you sing with your sister?

I feel comfortable singing with her and I know she feels so too. Whenever I flat or make a mistake she corrects me and I do the same for her too. 

Who composes your music?

Apart from the Whitney Houston songs, we compose our own music. We have written songs like Story in Africa, Nkwewadde and This is My Time. 

How do you feel about being a star?

It feels so good for sure. Children at school now take me as their boss. Boys always want to carry my bag for me and move around me the whole day.  

Which school do you go to and how do you handle school time and singing?

I go to Hormisdallen Primary School and I'm in Primary Five. During school time, I do not do any singing but during holidays, I concentrate on my talent.

What differentiates you from Esther musically?

Esther's voice is deep and she sets the tone whenever we are singing. For me, I always hit the high notes and that is what makes us different.

 You are a confident boy, what gives you that confidence?

I have always been confident. My mum taught me that. 

What should fans expect in the finals?

We shall sing When You Believe by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. This song makes us emotional and makes us pour our hearts out. Our fans should expect a feel-good-show on October 6.

If you win the competition, how will you use the money? 

We are planning with our parents to build an orphanage to help homeless children. We also want to support those who are talented but don't have money to build their talents. 

Parting shots to Ugandans?

I kindly request Ugandans to vote for us during the finals. The voting codes will be out soon so please vote for us.

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Ugandan duo Esther and Ezekiel win East Africa's Got Talent