Ingabire Grace is crowned Miss Rwanda 2021
Contestant No.7 Grace Ingabire emerged the winner of Miss Rwanda 2021 on Saturday March 20, 2021, beating 19 others to the coveted crown, taking over from Miss Rwanda 2020 Naomie Nishimwe.
Ingabire was crowned in a colourful event at Intare Conference Arena which was broadcast live on Rwanda Television, KC2 and on Youtube, with no audience in the hall due to COVID-19 restrictions.
A stunned Ingabire could not believe it after she was pronounced the winner when her and contestant no.1 Amanda Akaliza were the last two girls standing. It was a tightly contested finale but Ingabire impressed the judges better.
The 25-year-old, representing the City of Kigali, beat Akaliza to the crown and also drove home a brand-new Hyundai Creta 2021 series, valued at Rwf38m, courtesy of Hyundai, Rwanda.
The University graduate with a Major in Dance, a concentration in Globalization and Philosophy and Psychology, said she was surprised to emerge the winner in a tense moment.
“I am excited. It’s almost unbelievable,” Ingabire said as she received the winner’s prizes including the car, a 55-inch TV courtesy of Star Times Rwanda and other benefits. She will also be getting a monthly salary of Rwf800,000.
The panel of Judges for the evening was made up of Agnes Mukazibera, a former Member of Parliament and Vice President of the Cycling Federation, Evelyne Umurerwa, a media personality with experience of over 20 years in broadcast journalism, James Munyaneza, the Managing Editor of The New Times, Economist Teddy Kaberuka and Pamela Mudakikwa, a Communication Specialist.
Judge Mukazibera revealed that beauty carried 30%, intelligence 40% and Culture 30%. The girls took to the runway to show catwalk skills as they introduced themselves before displaying a spectacular cultural session.
The top 10 were picked and they included Akaliza Amanda, Ingabire Grace, Umutoni Witness, Marie Paul Kayirebwa, Musana Teta Hense, Uwase Phiona, Akaliza Hope, Laila Kabagema, Ishimwe Sonia and Kayitare Isheja Morella.
Three contestants Akaliza, Ingabire Grace and Sandrine Umutoniwase tussled it out for the ‘Most Talented’ contestant with Umutoniwase, who did a painting, beating the other two.
Umutoniwase took home of Rwf1,800, 000 courtesy of HDI Rwanda
Musana Teta Hense emerged the winner of the much sought after ‘Most Innovative’ project which is financed by Bank of Kigali while Kayirebwa took Miss Popularity.
Kayirebwa, 24, representing the City of Kigali, received Rwf1, 000, 000 from MTN Rwanda, latest iPhone, Internet and Airtime for a full year. She became the telecom’s Miss Yolo Brand Ambassador.
Evelyne Gaju became ‘Miss Congeniality’, winning herself a scholarship from University of Kigali and cheque of Rwf1, 800, 000, courtesy of Peter’s Bakers.
Unlike before when Judges asked contestants, this time the co-host Martina Abera asked the questions while the judges focused on the answers.
Ishimwe Sonia was crowned Miss Heritage. The 18-year-old, representing the Western Province received Rwf1, 800, 000 from Igihe Ltd.
The first runner-up received Rwf1, 800, 000, courtesy of Bella Flowers, a scholarship for a full year offered by University of Kigali and a weekend getaway for 6 months offered by La Palisse Nyamata.
The second runner-up Umutoni Witness got a cheque of Rwf1, 800, 800 courtesy of Volcano Express, a scholarship for a full year offered by University of Kigali and a weekend getaway for 6 months offered by La Palisse Nyamata.
Miss Rwanda 2021 set the record as the edition where the biggest number of contestants were awarded, with up to 9 title holders getting awarded.
In the end, it was the contemporary dancer to emerge the overall winner in an event that received a lot of attention on social media.
Miss Rwanda 2020 showed a video of achievements during her reign which was interrupted by the New Coronavirus outbreak.
There was entertainment from Shauku Band while the hosts Ingabire Davy Carmel, Martina Abera and Luckman Nzeyimana, kept the viewers engaged from start to finish. The event ended a quarter to midnight.
Kudos to the winner.
