As part of the PGGSS4 competition, the artistes will be required to perform live at one point. Diana Teta and Jules Sentore shared their challenges, fears and tips on how to prepare for live performances. 

"My biggest fear is falling while on stage"- Teta 

How do you prepare for a live performance?

I do a lot vocal practicing. Live shows are best done when you know how to sing without getting off key because music keys change. If you go off key, then that is a big disaster. 

What do you consider when choosing songs to perform live?

First of all, I have to make sure that the song is well-known. Secondly, I will consider songs that won’t tire me out easily. Live performances need a lot of energy.

Do you think live shows help? 

Yes, they do. I do live music with Gakondo group. 

I have gained confidence; I know how to read the audience to know if I’m doing well and how to balance my stage performance. Good stage performances don’t come overnight, the more times you perform live, the more experience you gain. 

How ready are you for the live performances?

I can’t wait. After everything that was said when I was nominated for PGGSS 4, I feel the live performances will give me a chance to prove that I belong in the competition.  

Do you have any general strategy to win over the judges?

I don’t have any particular strategy. I’m a firm believer in God and I believe in myself. I hope to do my best and the rest will be up to the judges. 

Are you confident?

I’m very confident. One thing that can spoil a live performance is getting nervous but since we have to perform two songs, I think one can do damage control with the second performance. 

What is your biggest nightmare while performing on stage?

My biggest nightmare is falling on stage. I don’t know how I can recover from that.

How did you feel the first time you performed live in PGGSS 4?

Well, it is different from other audiences that I have performed at. However, it wasn’t very intimidating because I have ever performed on other stages before. 

Is there anything special you consider that keeps you fresh and your voice smooth?

I always make sure I rest enough. Fatigue can spoil a musician’s vocal strength.  I also try to talk a lot to exercise my jaw muscles. _______________________________________________________

"Don’t be nervous"- Sentore

What criteria do you think judges will be looking out for during live performances?

Well, they consider many things. Last year, they considered the most popular but I think they should consider talent. They should look at a person with strong vocal abilities, stage performance, coordination with the band and discipline. These are the same qualities that can put an artiste on an international stage. 

Do you have a unique aspect that will set you apart in the live shows?

My genre of music is my strongest point. Most of the other contestants are into mainstream music. 

What are your biggest fears during live performances?

I don’t have any fears because falling on stage or going off key are part of our trade. But I would go nuts if the sound is bad to an extent that I can even stop singing. 

I really hate bad sound. 

What big challenges do artistes face during live performance?

Getting nervous on stage is a big challenge for any artiste. You have to feel free, otherwise if you become nervous; you keep going off key or even go flat. It’s a challenge but with time, it can be overcome. 

What are some of the mistakes artistes make during live performances?

Some artistes get too excited that they forget about the performance. It is important to have fun but not at the expense of the performance. Secondly, there are some artistes who randomly incorporate ideas in their performances yet they weren’t rehearsed. This confuses the band and back-up singers. 

Anything artistes should bear in mind while performing live?

Communicate with the band, connect with the audience and perform lively. These can be any artiste’s deal-breaker. 

How was the first live performance at the unveiling of PGGSS 4?

It was good. Since the judges were awarding marks, my aim was to take most of the marks and leave the rest to be shared among the remaining contestants (laughs). In every competition there are winners and losers, so I had to do my best.