Taking part in a contest is like buying deep-fried cassava. When you buy these sticks, some are going to be delicious but others will be hard and bitter.

You can never get a flawless bundle. So what you do is sort out the bundle and pick out the best. That is what Urban TV's Coca Cola Rated Next talent search is like so far.

The search, aimed at getting the best singing sensation across the country, is headed west to Fort Portal where another 10 will be picked. To help choose the final talented 10 is a panel of judges that comprises of instrumentalist and X-FM's radio personality, Siima Sabiti, singer Maurice Kirya and renowned music producer Sharpe Ssewali.

The search which was launched on January 11, 29 contestants have been selected to go to the finals. Among them are 10 from Gulu, nine from Lira and 10 from Arua. As the days go by, several other contestants from various districts will be picked to join the above in a Kampala final.

Contestants are only allowed to perform local songs or their original compositions. While an acapella is the acceptable presentation, those who can sing while playing their own instruments are allowed.

Contestants who made it to round two in Lira

After they are done picking Fort Portal's 10 best today, the judges will pitch camp in Mbarara from January 31 to February 1, before they head to Masaka for the town's auditions from February 2 and 3.

After a brief lull, the eastern town of Mbale will host them on February 16 and 17 before they hit Jinja on February 23 and 24. Kampala's top 10 will be selected on March 2 and 3 then all the other contestants from the various regions will compete for the finals.

The winner will bag sh50m, a recording contract with Steve Jean's Fenon Records and an iPad. The first and second runners up will go home with sh5m and sh2m respectively. They will also each receive an iPad.

The public will choose the winners through SMS and social media once they catch all the action exclusively on Urban TV, Bukedde TV and TV West.

To be part of the contest, interested contestants have to first fill in a form. The form can be picked at any Coca Cola outlet or supermarket after purchasing a bottle of Coca Cola.