Controversy Erupts Over Money Influence in People’s Choice Awards

Controversy has emerged among Rwandan film actors following the victory of Kecapu and Bamenya, who won cars in the Mashariki Awards’ People’s Choice category. Several actors say the results highlight the growing influence of money in the voting process, claiming the award is increasingly determined by financial power rather than audience preference.

The concerns were raised after a month-long campaign in which contestants interacted with the public to solicit votes. Actors argue that despite efforts to mobilize fans, last-minute surges driven by financial contributions ultimately decided the winners.

Actor Clapton Kibonke criticized the structure of the category, saying it should not be labeled “People’s Choice” when financial means play such a dominant role. He suggested that future awards should rely on a professional panel of actors and media practitioners to choose the winner instead of public voting.

Nyambo acknowledged that the Mashariki Awards were well organized but maintained that the main prize—a car—was won largely through self-funded votes. He argued that the process favored contestants with more financial capacity rather than those with stronger public support.

Mitsutsu added that his absence from this year’s nominee list was due to financial limitations, stating that money has become essential for anyone hoping to win.

Burikantu, who competed in the People’s Choice category, said the final minutes of voting showed drastic changes as Bamenya surged ahead after trailing closely for weeks. He and other actors believe that financial injections, not fan engagement, determined the outcome.

Ngenzi echoed this concern, stating that allowing money to dictate results undermines the essence of a public-choice award. He argued that if money continues to dominate, the event becomes a commercial activity rather than a genuine awards competition.

Intare y’Ingore said she accepted defeat as part of competition but noted that last-minute spending dramatically shifted results, allowing Kecapu to win.

Rufonsina, however, defended the organizers, saying every competition has its structure. She argued that paying for votes is part of the system, and those with means naturally benefit.

Papa Sava reiterated his long-standing criticism of money-based voting, saying the practice disadvantages talented actors who lack financial resources. He added that last-minute turnarounds are simply “how the game is set up.”

Soloba and Aisha also agreed that the award heavily favored financial capability over genuine popularity. They argued that the People’s Choice title loses meaning when the outcome hinges on personal spending.

Some observers noted that the combined amount reportedly spent on votes for Kecapu and Bamenya totaled around Rwf 35 million—surpassing the estimated Rwf 26 million value of the awarded cars—strengthening arguments that the process has become more of a business transaction than a recognition of talent.

Kecapu and Bamenya were awarded cars as the most-voted actors in the People’s Choice category, but the debate surrounding the fairness of the voting system continues to intensify.