My Tanzania
RITA PAULSEN
Media entrepreneur Rita Paulsen is the founder of hit TV talent show Bongo Star Search and is also a judge on the programme. Here she talks about making and breaking dreams and why challenges make her stronger.
Q: Bongo Star Search has been a huge success with this year seeing the broadcast of its 11th season. Who, for you, has been the best act in the show’s history? A: Thankfully every year we get different talents, new contestants showcasing fresh styles, with moving stories. It is difficult to pick a favourite, but if I must I would say Season 6 winner Walter Chilambo because of his transformation. He arrived almost unnoticed, but as the show went on, he slowly captured everyone’s attention, including mine. Now, he is one of our great ambassadors doing very well in the gospel music industry. Q: You also have to burst the bubble of a lot of people’s dreams if they are clearly not as talented as they think they are. Is that hard? A: It’s a very difficult task, I always get emotional about it because I know how much they want to make it in life and they need this opportunity, because I’ve been there wanting to do something and you don’t want to lose any chance you get so I try to convince the other judges to be slightly soft on them. We fight a lot about that. If it was only up to me, everyone in the top 10 would be a winner. Q: The judges are crucial to the show. You all have your own distinct, strong characters, but seem to get on well. Is that the case? A: Funny enough we do get on so well, and we have good chemistry. We fight here and there, but we leave it on the show. There is good energy between us all.
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Q: When you started the show, did you expect you would find so much singing talent among Tanzanians as you travelled the country? A: Yes, I knew we would find a lot of talent out there, because before I started Bongo Star Search I did notice that there were a lot of youths with so much talent but just lacking a platform to showcase it. Running my production company [Benchmark Productions], I used to offer just one video to one artist every other year, then I figured there is so much talent out there and this show would give them a chance to show stakeholders their talent, because you never know who is watching! Q: What are the most important lessons you can pass on to other budding entrepreneurs on how to start their businesses? A: Business is not easy, so if you start business in one year and things are not working out and you give up – you will never make it in business. You have to have perseverance. The magic is to choose a business you are passionate about it. I had so much passion when started my business and I think that was the key to my success. Q: You hosted your own talk show, The Rita Paulsen Show? Have you always enjoyed meeting new people and finding out about their stories? A: The Rita Paulsen Show is another dream project of mine which developed from my love and admiration of [US TV show host] Oprah Winfrey. I do enjoy meeting new people and exchanging ideas, but my core
purpose for this show [was to] delve into the lives of ordinary and extraordinary people to enlighten, entertain, inspire and provide sustainable solutions to various problems in our society. Q: Who are your Tanzanian heroes? A: Wow! Interesting question. I would have to say Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, [Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations] Asha-Rose Migiro and Samia Suluhu, Tanzania’s first female Vice-President. Q: If you were having a dinner party at home, which three people would you invite to share the food? A: Hahaha!. I would invite Oprah, Samia Suluhu and Hon. President John Pombe Magufuli. Q: How would you like to be remembered? A: As a very strong, passionate, hard-working woman who has changed a lot of people’s lives and who has made an impact in so many people’s lives. Q: Do you have a special place in Tanzania where you go to escape and relax? A: Yes, I love Zanzibar very much. I love nature and I have been to most of the exotic places in Tanzania but more frequently to Zanzibar. Q: What was the best kiss of your life? A: I was lucky to meet Nelson Mandela, and he kissed my hand – so that day I will never forget. I felt very special and I actually cried. I really loved him.
