Tusker Project Fame 5 contestants on Sunday were reprimanded by the three judges for delivering a wanting performance at a time when the stakes were higher than ever, with a Ksh10 million-worth recording deal on the line.

Just a day after Burundi’s Pacifique was evicted from the Tusker Academy, Judge Ian Mbugua sternly chided the remaining Tusker Project Fame 5 contestants’ for Sunday’s performance, terming it as “lackluster” and “not up to scratch.”

Five contestants,Uganda’s Sekiranda Allan Roy;Kenya’s, Doreen Nyawira;Sudan’s, Mer Ayang;Tanzania’s Imani Lissu andUganda’s Sharon Nahkioga were sent on probation.

Fans from the six countries now have to vote to save their favourite contestants as the contestant who gunners the least votes is slated for eviction next Sunday from the Tusker sponsored reality TV show.

Sudan’s Mer was saved from Ian’s wrath when show hosts, Sheila Mwanyiga and Dr.Mitch Egwang skipped Ian preferring to solicit comments from Hermes Bariki, the Tanzanian producer and Juliana Kanyomozi, the Ugandan crooner who described her performance as beautiful and mellow.

Though Sharon electrified the audience with her energetic performance of “Gold Digger” by Jacky Chandiru, Judges were of a different opinion and sent her on probation for focusing too much energy on dancing and little on the song’s rendition.

Sudan’s Nancy Chan andBurundi’s Irankuda Joe Christian remains the audiences’favourites for a powerful vocal rage and heart melting charisma respectively.Tanzania’s Jackson Kalimba;Rwanda’s Fatuma Muhonza and Kenya’s Ruth Matete equally delivered great renditions to the crowd’s great applause.

Tusker Project Fame 5 will see 15 contestants croon their way to fame with the winner bagging a top prize of KSh5 million cash and a recording deal worth KSh10 million with Universal Music Group.