Entrant from Dodoma is new Miss Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. Miss Dodoma Happiness Watimanywa was on Saturday night crowned this year’s Redds Miss Tanzania after beating 29 other contestants in a tight contest held at Mlimani City Hall .

Coming close behind were Latifa Mohammed who settled for the first runner up and Clara Bayo who was the second runner-up amid frenzy and cheers from relatives and friends.

In the absence of the reigning beauty queen Bridgette Alfred Lyimo whose video message was televised to the audience the coronation duty fell in the hands of last year’s first runner-up Eugenia Fabian.

Brigitte is currently in Indonesia ahead of Miss World beauty pageant scheduled to take place on September 28.

Happiness’s star started shining at the rehearsal camp where she won the miss photogenic award thus qualifying into the top 15 category.

Other contestants who reached the semi-final stage were Prisca Clement, Narietha Boniface, Clara Bayo and Severin Lwinga.

Other contestants who qualified into the top 15 by merit were Janet Awet, Nice Herman, Esha Rashid, Latifa Mohamed, Elizabeth Perty, Lucy Tomeka, Neema Mality, Dorice Mollel, Sabrina Juma and Glory Minja.

The new Miss Tanzania won a Toyota IST worth Sh15 million. Tanzania Breweries Limited Marketing director Kushilla Thomas handed her the car.

She was also awarded Sh8 million in cash. The victory gives her the entitlement to represent Tanzania in next year’s Miss World beauty pageant.

“I promise to make changes in the pageant and become the historic winner of the contest. I will convince parents so that they will have a positive image about the contest,” said Happiness.

Latifa Mohamed from the Coast Region took home Sh6.2 million while Clara Bayo (Ilala) was awarded Sh4 million.

Lucy Tomeka of Kinondoni who finished fourth took home some Sh3 million. Also in the top five was Elizabeth Perty from the Coast Region who was awarded Sh2 million.

Others in top 15 will each receive 1.2 million and the rest will be given Sh700,000 each.

Another lucky girl in the contest was Narietha Boniface who was crowned Miss Marie Stopes Tanzania award.

The pageant saw the famous bongo flava female artist, Judith “Lady Jaydee” Wambura taking the beauty fans by storm after dominating the event.

Lady Jaydee’s performance compelled many fans to leave their seats for a while and back her singing, particularly her famous number, Yahaya. She also performed Joto la Hasira.

Ugandan Mike Ross and Circus Mama Africa also shined in the event.

Lino International Agency managing director Hashim “Uncle” Lundenga expressed his joy at both the results and performance of the show, saying big development has been made in the entertainment sector.

“It did not take us long to get the new Redds Miss Tanzania. The event also featured every aspect of international standards and aspects,” said Lundenga.