Miss Rwanda 2015 sets bar high as Kundwa is crowned

Perhaps this is the year that Miss Rwanda search got the whole country talking. The public picked a lot of interest never seen in the history of Miss Rwanda. Indeed, it was not surprising that Kigali Serena Hotel was packed to the brim during the grand finale. The show that started at 6:30pm, ended with the crowning of 19-year-old Doriane Kundwa as Miss Rwanda 2015. Out of the 15 finalists, Kundwa was also the public’s favourite from the beginning. She walked away with a brand new Suzuki SX4 courtesy of Cogebanque and will get a monthly stipend of $1000 (Rwf 700,000) among other prizes. At 7pm, the judges including musician Intore Massamba, Kigali fashion Week founder John Bunyeshuli, fashion critic Blanche Majoro and former Miss East Africa, Cynthia Akazuba set the ball rolling.

In the first session, the contestants were tested on their knowledge of culture. They came on stage each carrying an item related to culture. Each contestant described the item they were carrying and what it’s used for.

The second session was question time as contestants answered questions ranging from development, education, current affairs and politics. After the question and answer session, the girls changed into casual wear and did catwalk. After the three sessions which were spiced up by interludes of music, it was time for the Judges to reveal the winners.

And it was Doriane Kundwa, Fiona Ntaringwa, Balbine Mutoni, Vanessa Raissa Uwase and Lynca Akacu who had made it into the top five. However, to get Miss Rwanda, the girls had to answer more questions from the judges relating to what they want to accomplish if crowned Miss Rwanda.

Akacu said that if crowned she would provide a safe environment for orphans. Kundwa said she would promote talent development among the youth. She emphasised it by saying that Rwanda is a land-locked country that is not rich in minerals; the only way to develop the country is by building a knowledge based economy which promotes talent.

Ntaringwa said she would focus on promoting ICT among the youth since it provides various avenues for employment.

Uwase talked about rehabilitating sex workers and raising awareness about the dangers of prostitution. Mutoni said she would work hard to promote the Rwandan culture among the youth.

After listening to the five girls, the judges deliberated and at 11:55pm, Doriane Kundwa was announced as the winner.

Akacu was second runner up while Uwase was first runner up. However before that, Sabrina Kalisi Ihozo was crowned Miss Photogenic, Doriane Kundwa (Miss Popularity), Joannah Keza Bagwire (Miss Congeniality) while Darlene Gasana was crowned Miss Heritage.

Musical performances were done by former Tusker Project Fame winner Hope, Jules Sentore, Marie Yohana, Tonzi, Ciney and Nigerian duo Additiction.

The search for Miss Rwanda 2015 started in January with auditions in all provinces including Kigali city. 120 girls registered for the competition which would eventually produce the fourth Miss Rwanda.