It’s nearly four months since Primus Guma Guma Super Star 4 (PGGSS 4) music competition kicked off.

Crowds have been entertained by artistes who gave their all; amazing songs, impressive dance skills and mind blowing attires. The next phase will push all artistes harder and make them better as they take on live performances. We talked to the lead judge, Aimable Twahirwa, events organiser Joseph Mushyoma and Bralirwa marketing manager Martine Gatabazi about the preparations, criteria and the progress of PGGSS 4. 

AIMABLE TWAHIRWA

What will the judges consider?

There are five crucial elements that we will be looking for. The first element is stage discipline, where we shall be looking at how artistes conduct themselves on stage and it carries 10 points. The second aspect is stage appearance and management where we shall look at how artistes are dressed and how they manage the stage. It carries 20 points. 

The third measure is performance and vocal ability. Here we shall look at coordination with the band, backup dancers and if they have strong vocals. This category will also carry 20 points. The last and biggest standard is popularity and interaction. We want to see how an artiste engages the crowd and the reception he/she receives. It carries 50 points 

How much say do the judges have at the live shows?

The judges have 80% and the general public’s messages that have been coming in will influence 20% of the decision making process. 

How many songs are the artistes allowed to perform?

They all have four songs but can only perform two songs. For every live show, they’ll be allowed to perform two songs only although they can substitute any song with another as long as it is included among the four.

What unique aspect characterises PGGSS 4 contestants? 

PPGGSS 4 musicians are all talented. There are some new faces that are giving the old-timers a run for their money. Competition is tighter than ever before. Secondly, we have two ladies that have proven to be a strong force which makes the competition more intense and lastly, these artistes have to be creative enough to impress the crowd and the judges at the same time because they need both in order to succeed. It’s a tough race that will bring out the best in these artistes. 

As the head of the judges panel, how do you hope to ensure fairness?

It is difficult to ascertain because we are all human however, we have the best people on the panel; impartial and professional. For every show we shall hand over the sealed results to the audit company PriceWaterCoopers and no one among us will get to know which marks were awarded by his colleague. However, I requested Bralirwa that before the final show they should share with the judges how we awarded marks. All around the world, when judges are giving marks, they are always close in their numbers, to ensure fairness I requested that we do that. 

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JOSEPH MUSHYOMA, aka Bubu

What criteria did you use in choosing the judges?

First of all, we looked for people who know these artiste’s songs, who listen to their songs and know who the artistes are. I don’t think it would make any sense to get people who know more international songs or artistes than the artistes contesting in PGGSS 4. Secondly, they had to have been artistes themselves. 

Aimable Twahirwa, Tonzi and Lion Manzi have been actively involved in the music industry in Rwanda. This way they can be able to understand if an artiste is off beat, gauge his popularity and vocal abilities among others. Lastly, we considered the experience they have in the music industry. 

How good is the equipment that will be used at the live performances?

We have high quality equipment that will add an aura of sophistication to the live performances. The lighting, sound and stage are up to standard. We are already doing the set-up which will be done by close of business on Thursday.  

How well prepared are the backup singers and the band? 

They are all set and have rehearsed well. The backup singers have been doing rehearsals for four months now. They started rehearsals in March and I’m confident they are ready. 

How do you hope to ensure artistes don’t blame poor performances on the backup singers or the equipment?

All artistes will be required to sign a document saying they are confident with the backup singers and the band. Then, they will have two sessions of sound check to make sure everything goes according to plan. The first session will be Friday afternoon and the second is on Saturday morning.

As a promoter, what is your general perspective of live music PGGSS competitions?

They are wonderful, artistes perform well and the general public is receptive, however the problem comes when Guma Guma is over. Most of these artistes resort to playback shows although a few musicians like Tom Close, King James and Riderman have picked up the mantle and are leading the rest in playing live music. 

Is there anything unique about this year’s edition of live performances?  

Well, the stage looks a lot different from the previous PGGSS live performances. From the lighting, the stage, the sound, everything adds a unique aspect to the performances. Secondly, this is the PGGSS contest where backup artistes have rehearsed for such a long period of time and I think being well prepared is an added advantage to the performances.

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MARTINE GATABAZI

How diverse is the panel of judges?

The panel is made up of two gentlemen and a lady. Aimable Twahirwe is widely known in the field of performing arts; Lion Manzi is a member of Sound of Hills and used to play in a band as a teenager. Tonzi is a renowned gospel musician in the country. So, it is safe to say that they all have experience in music.  

Why did you decide to give judges more power at the live performances?

After last year’s PGGSS 3, we received feedback from the public and several people who preferred to have judges rather than have the general public as the jury. I think this actually makes the competition more professional and appealing.

Why did you decide to award all participating artistes? 

The Primus brand is not all about just one winner. It is about enjoyment and promoting local talent. We believe that everybody is a winner in their own right although the amount of money may not be the same, we don’t leave them hanging. 

So far, how has the general public reacted to PGGSS 4?

It has been wonderful so far. We have been getting bigger crowds compared to previous shows and the public has enjoyed playback shows.