The Primus Guma Guma Super Star season 4 road show in Rubavu invoked emotions that saw fans shed tears of joy while others were in utter shock when the top three artistes were revealed. At the fully packed Stade Nengo; on Saturday; all artistes knew that it was a do or die and did their best but eventually it was Jay Polly, Dream Boys and Bruce Melody who swept the top three slots. 

At 5pm, the judges handed in their results to the audit company to begin the tallying process. Artistes were seen pacing up and down in anxiety, the crowd was anxious while some people were making predictions, with Jay Polly, Dream Boys, Jules Sentore, Christopher and Senderi International Hit being among the favourites. 

When results were announced, Jay Polly and Dream Boys didn’t come as a surprise. However what was shocking was Bruce Melody’s inclusion. The moment his name was mentioned, he went on the ground and couldn’t hide his excitement. Several people shed tears of joy whereas others were left looking dejected.  

Earlier on the contestants had put up energetic performances as they attempted to book their chances just before the top three contestants were announced. 

Active were first on stage with a performance that suggests they have had a fairly successful campaign. They changed their performance of Aisha with Tizzo doing a dance routine with a female backup dancer that told the story behind their song. He was later joined by Derek and Olvis on stage; together they also performed Udukoryo Twinshi. As always, they had a good performance. 

Jules Sentore who was considered among the favourites to make it to the top three, was next to perform. With traditional backup dancers, he performed Dutaramane and Ndayoboza but didn’t move the crowd. Young Grace didn’t get the reception she had anticipated. She had a mediocre performance of Wigize Farseur and Bingo. 

Then the crowd let out screams and started jumping when Mc Arthur announced Jay Polly as the next artiste. The self-titled ‘Umusaza’ didn’t have a good performance although he was hugely popular. He performed Ikosora and Deux fois Deux, which he could have done better but nonetheless he made people dance. Bruce Melody probably had his best performance in the competition. The energetic youngster was organised in his performances of Indorerwamo and Ndumiwe which were the crowd’s favourite. 

Dressed in a long white and blue dress, Diana Teta did well with Undi Munsi but she messed up her performance of Canga Ikarita. Her choice of attire didn’t favour her dance routine and that cost her marks. 

Senderi International Hit showed a lot of creativity. Showing up on stage with a platter of silver fish which is a favourite delicacy in Gisenyi, Senderi performed Jalousie and Twariboheye but it was not enough to get him to the next level of the competition. 

Dream Boys had a splendid performance and the backup dancers did a good job. They performed Uzahahe Uronke and No One that saw the crowds raise dust as they danced. 

Amag the Black had a lot of fans and his performance was equally good. Seen back stage praying moments before he went on stage, he performed Turi ku ishuri and Uruhinja. Christopher was the last performer of the day. He had a better performance compared to his past shows. He performed Habona and Ndabyemeye. 

We’ll see all the 10 artistes perform at the finale on August 30 when they’ll know their respective positions.  

All photos by Plaisir Muzogeye