By Sam Banda Jnr in Lusaka, Zambia:
After a 13-week voyage in My Booth reality show featuring contestants from Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is now time to crown the winner, with the grand finale set for Sunday.
Upon his arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Wednesday from his United States of America tour, celebrated musician Patience Namadingo, who is one of the judges alongside Elation Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Sokwani Chilembo, said it been an interesting reality show and that “I have enjoyed the moments”.
“It’s been exciting and I am happy that Malawi is part of the grand finale. I am also happy that Zambia is in there, I am not sure about Zimbabwe since all the contestants got evicted but there is still a chance for them to have a finalist through one spot,” the ‘Mango’ star said.
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Fifteen contestants, five each from the three countries, kicked off the show but, one by one, they got evicted to come down to four, two from Malawi and two from Zambia.
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Chilembo, better known as Soks, said they were going in the right direction with the reality show as they aim at uplifting and unearthing talent from Southern Africa.
“Apart from the four contestants, we are also having one contestant, who made it through booth performances. We saw contestants, who were eliminated, perform out of the booth challenge. We also heard more from them and their families. The judges will select one of the evicted contestants, who will be unveiled on Sunday,” he said.
It remains to be seen as to whether three of the evicted Malawian representatives, namely Vanessa Nalikungwi, Alipo Mpita and Sindi, will get the spot.
If they miss out, then Malawi still has representation in the final in Chisomo Chimoto and Joe Kellz, with Zambia having Evans Ndalama and Roy-The Songster.
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For now, Zimbabwe is the only country that does not have a contestant in the final as its remaining representative Taffie Matiure was evicted.
Zimbabwe can only pray that they get the spot; otherwise, they will not be part and parcel of the grand finale to fight for the top prize.
At the place where the finalists are lodging, the contestants all looked composed and were looking at nothing but the top prize.
“I cannot wait to get to the stage and do it for Malawi. As finalists, we are all set, I am not sure who will be the fifth, I just pray we have Malawi to add firepower,” Chisomo, sister to renowned musician Skeffa Chimoto, said.
Joe Kellz, who won the hearts of the people with a cover of Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire’s ‘Nkhujipereka’, also said he was looking at nothing but the top prize.
“We have come a long way and getting to the final shows Malawi is the deal. Let’s do it Malawi,” the former Zathu member said.
Ndalama and Roy also insisted Thursday that they were claiming the microphone.
In the final, to feature performances from Zambian artists, the audience is set to be treated to the best, including experiencing surprises.
Apart from Chilembo and Namadingo, the other judges of the competition are Maureen Lilanda and Blessing Bled Chimanga from Zimbabwe.
The contestants have been sharing one house, band and microphone for the ultimate prize of $50,000 recording deal and $10,000 cash.
