The relatively quiet town of Kabarondo in Kayonza District, Eastern Province had its share of the Primus Guma-Guma Superstar (PGSS5) road shows on Saturday, with upcoming musicians in the area getting a chance to tussle it out on the big stage before the main acts.

Show MCs Tino and Anita Pendo travelled to the venue ahead of the Guma-Guma artistes after lunch at the Eastland Motel, and by the time the stars arrived, several smaller musical battles had already come to bare on stage.

Then it was time for the real business of the day to kick off. The musical trio of Active was the first act on stage shortly after 2p.m, clad in identical army camouflage shirts and fitting black jeans.

After doing some of their songs like Lift and Aisha though, it was obvious the group’s stage appeal draws more from their well-choreographed dance moves which have made them popular throughout the show.

Eric Senderi stepped on stage next, with king and queen dancer in tow, which was a wise move after the sleek dance routines exhibited on stage by Active. He needed something special to keep the crowd in the mood and trust Senderi to do so.

His vocals initially were not so impressive and neither was the sound, but the dancers somewhat plugged the loopholes, courting the audience with saucy dance and acrobatic moves.

Senderi struggled to win the crowd’s affection with songs like Twaribohoye and Nta cash but eventually he got his act together with his football-themed song, APR, a tribute to the army side that instantly lifted the crowd off their feet.

When it was song bird Knowless Butera’s turn on stage, she simply built on Senderi’s foundation and took it to another level.

Like Senderi, she also started off on a hoarse-voiced note as she sung ‘Wari Urihe’ but soon got her act together.

Her performance was short, fast and energetic, triggering a bout of flag and banner-waving throughout her set as she belted out Sweet Mutima and Baramushaka.

As usual, the cordoned off VIP section of the venue was teeming with crowds, what with the access to free drinks.

At Guma-Guma roadshows, the VIP section admits a select crowd of people that include esteemed customers, local dealers in Bralirwa products, and winners of various competitions on TV, radio and social media.

Rapper Bulldog was next on stage, all dressed for the part with lots of bling bling, and with his support act Khalifan to rave up the crowds. He performed his songs Nk’umusaza, Icyuki, among others.

Bulldog proved a powerful solo act with his confident and relaxed rap delivery that invoked gentle swaying to the beat among the crowd.

Boy group TNP came on after Bulldog, the duo of Tracy and Passy performing Kamucerenge, Ku bwinsi and Byina.

Rafiki came on stage after TNP, and quickly proved what a powerful song hook can do to the crowds, chanting his popular "Choga style” anthem.

The singer brought a jamming mood to the stage, waving bandanas and wipers to whip up the crowd as he performed Gikomando, Bwongonza Faux and Bagambe.

After all the energetic performances, it was now time for a more mellow showdown with Gakondo fusion singer Jules Sentore, who launched into his session with a powerful acapella of his hit song, Udatsikira, which did wonders with the crowd.

Sentore would then showcase his Gakondo roots with a powerful performance helped by two traditional dancers as he performed Kora Akazi and Ngera.

Rapper Oda Paccy was next on stage, performing two songs, Rendezvous, Umusirimu, and Icyabuze, before vacating the stage for the Dream Boyz, who performed Uzahahe uronke and Urare aharyana.

Bruce Melodie fittingly wound up the concert shortly after 5p.m with an engaging performance of Ndakwanga, Ntudinze and Ndumiwe.

As the crowd disintegrated, Kabarondo residents still wanted more but all good things come to an end