As Kenya’s first reality TV singing competition, Tusker Project Fame was a major hit attracting viewership across the East African region. Apart from the talented musicians, it was always entertaining to listen to the judges giving their feedback about a performer.
Below are the show’s top three judges and what they are currently up to:
Ian Mbugua
This was one of the harshest judges on the show often giving his feedback without mincing words.
Judge Ian, as he was fondly known, would later reveal that his comments were meant to push contestants to work harder.
He told The Standard in a past interview that that was how reality TV worked. It needed drama to make it interesting. Ian is a husband, father and grandfather. He is also a church guy who often participates in his church’s choir performances.
After leaving TPF, he took up various roles. He became a music and drama teacher and managed theatre at the Brookhouse International School.
The former adjudicator was one of the speakers in the 2023 Men’s Conference. He said he didn’t believe in Valentines Day as love is celebrated everyday.
“Men’s Conference is just men coming together and discussing matters relating to men. That is all it is. It has nothing to do with Valentine’s. Just men coming together to share their experiences and ask questions,” he told the Star.
The Lenana High School alumnus is also a seasoned actor who has appeared in various shows before and after Tusker Project Fame. He has been featured on Chaguo, Changes, Second Family and was unveiled as part of the cast in Single Kiasi season 2.
Juliana Kanyomozi
Juliana Kanyomozi is an award winning Ugandan pop musician, R&B and afro beat singer. She was the first female musician to win the Pearl of Africa Music Awards under the Artist of the Year category.
After Tusker Project Fame, she continued to release music and has also featured on a number of films. She has collaborated with the likes of Bobi Wine and Kidum.
She has released several music videos on her YouTube channel which has over 200k subscribers. Some of her recent video, audio and cover releases include: Oli wa Maanyi, the First Noel, Silent Night, and Omwana which has over 1.7 million views.
Hermes Joachim (Hermy B)
Hermy B is an influential producer in the music industry scene in East Africa. He has worked with some of East Africa’s A list celebrities including: Amani, Avril, Chameleon, Nameless, Prezzo, Lady Jaydee, Professor Jay and Enika.
He gained notoriety in 2007 after his beats were used in the popular ‘Habari Ndiyo Hiyo” hit.
Post TPF, he continues to produce for several artists and has gained the moniker of a hit maker. He is the founder of B Hitz. In 2022, he revamped BXtra records and introduced fresh artists, like, Cherry, Country Wizzy, and Meja Kunta.
