Radio Host Hits Out at TPF for Failing to Live Up To the Hype

Few months ago, there were numerous trailers that came out that awakened viewers’ senses and ignites their souls. Whether it was the rendition of a favorite song or just a well done song by a contestant…there was something about the tingling anticipation of Tusker Project Fame 6.

However, there have been murmurs that the TPF 6 has not lived up to its hype. Maybe that’s why it hurts like a punch to the gut. The latest to take a swipe at the organizers of the show is Songa Samuel – Stone, a half-Kenyan, half-Ugandan radio host on Radiocity 97FM in Kampala.

Here’s what he says;

Even with just five seasons behind it, East Africa’s ultimate vocal talent scouting platform is already tasting like that not-so-good meal you only eat because you are hungry. And that monopoly doesn’t mean everyone settles for the meal.

When the new season premiered this month, the one thing that made TPF bearable, one of the few unique things about the show, was that spirit of togetherness that it somehow manages to generate. The only other time East Africa is represented on one stage more often is when the region’s presidents meet. And of late, the subtle seclusion of some countries from the “table of men that matter” is slowly robbing that.

My interest in how this year’s season ends could be due to the fact that I actually auditioned and in a turn of events I later appreciated, I didn’t make it to the final elimination round. But on the show’s premier night, that gusto suffered a mild heart-attack. Excellence, a prerequisite for a show of its kind, came in smaller amounts that October 13th evening. It all started with that on scene audience pregnant with lethargy; the new co-host of the show was a victim of critical viewers who preferred her predecessor not to mention the struggling chemistry between her and the male co-host, the show’s deflating progression and shabby transitions (I found myself going to the kitchen with no worry I was missing anything)…endless humorless jokes and jabs…the contestants’ wardrobe manager who needs to manage their bad decision making skills…the croaking microphones and intermittent sound droughts… It all seemed haphazard. Many would-be attentive viewers found themselves looking at the more entertaining #TPF6 tweets.

I later concluded that the absence of shows worth the buzz TPF enjoys mostly because it is the only such show explains the noticeable laxity. Yes, things can go wrong but those were so many things going wrong. Especially with Endemol on board. My first recommendation is that aspiring shows find a way of making it to the regional stage to remind Tusker that the already dwindling viewer numbers can actually fall for good. Such a threat would no doubt sober up many people (unintended pun). I would gladly share some ideas with any rich man or woman (being super rich is an added advantage) excited by the possibility of throwing their monies at a venture such as this.

Tusker Project Fame organisers will have to look further to find people that don’t just give us bubblegum repetitive ‘that was good…it was ok” comments. The academy idea seemed perfect until trouble knocked on the door. Given that the judges have lots of say on who stays, all of them ought to have enough knowledge to ensure who stays is not only on the basis of how they sound on performance night. The show’s main judging panel only has one member who will sit me down for a lecture on taking the stage. That is unhealthy given that she is not even the king of the judges.

Many viewers might enjoy Judge Ian’s quirky and idiosyncratic comments but the fact that his judging relies mostly on a honed ability to tell a good voice and a mediocre one by just listening is not healthy for the show. When a judge doesn’t like it, they should be able to give an option and in this case, illustrate it. The choreographer I saw last night throwing corny comments surely can’t do that.

Do you agree with him?