The grand finale of the 7th edition of the Primus Guma-Guma Super Star (PGGSS7) annual music competition is drawing closer after the contestants concluded performances on the road in all four provinces of the country where they staged live shows.

On Saturday, the ten contestants were in Rubavu district in the Western Province where they held the last roadshow, which attracted a slightly smaller crowd compared to the last three previous ones.

It was a perfect setting for Sebeya Band, a music ensemble made up of pioneer graduates of Nyundo School of Music to return to Rubavu where the school is located and set the mood for the residents before the contestants could come on stage.

They performed a number of songs from known artistes like Miley Cyrus and Adele, before rapper Danny Nanone took over to the stage to perform first.

The afro hip-hop artiste used the chance to unveil his latest track called Soldier which he performed before he closed with Ikirori, much as the people were still trickling in –the perils of performing first.

Debutant Davis D, also the youngest in the contest, was given a floor as the second performer. Backed up by dancers, the singer did Biryogo and Irekuru. By this time, the venue was fast filling up.

By the time the trio of Active was taking to the stage, it was filled to capacity. The performance of the music group was worth watching and Rubavu residents were excited.

This time Active didn’t come with dancers but they managed to pull the crowd through their electric dance moves as they performed Slow Down and Final before leaving the stage.

Dream Boyz followed on stage and they were welcomed by their loud fans who were earlier appearing impatient. As soon as they stepped on the stage, majority of the revelers went up and cheered as they performed.

The duo performed 70 and Bucece, visibly exhibiting an improvement from their previous performances.

Talking of improvement, first-time contestant Social Mula also this time proved to be more prepared than the previous road shows, this time demonstrating an outstanding level of technical and artistic vocal skills.

The singer put forward two of his popular songs and through the high-level performance, residents of Rubavu didn’t want to let him down as they sang along and danced to his selected songs of the day Kundunduro and Umuturanyi.

When he was done, he relinquished the stage to rapper Bull Dogg. The local hip hop star proved to be popular in Rubavu as residents got up and supported him throughout his performance of his opening song Impfubyi and Nk’umusaza, all of which received a positive feedback from the crowd.

The self-proclaimed king of hip hop in Rwanda concluded his performance with Cinema before giving way for RnB crooner Christopher.

Despite the recent incidents where some fellow contestants allegedly set up their fans to boo him in the past two road shows, Christopher, who recently complained about being targeted by rowdy fans proved that he’s still a force to reckon with.

The singer this time round brought along his guitar, and performed two songs including catchy Abasitari and Birahagije. His performance generally appealed to the crowd and won him hearts.

It was then Queen Cha’s turn to entertain the revellers. The RnB and afrobeat songstress also delivered an impressive performance, doing the first song alone before inviting on dancers to help on the final song.

Female rapper Oda Pacy came on second last and being the only female rapper in the contest, she used the opportunity to convince the public that ladies too can rule the hip-hop genre with many more female hip hop artistes coming up.

The singer didn’t disappoint as well as she performed No Body and Umusirimu.

Mico The Best was the last act of the evening, stepping on the stage and immediately appealed for the public to vote for him.

Without wasting time he invited his dancers on the floor and together they delivered an ecstatic performance of Akabisous and Umugati.

The show was hosted by MC Kate Gustave and Buryohe. With the final road show done, all eyes are now on the grand finale slated for June 24.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw