Ten contestants were unveiled to the public on Wednesday, March 14, for the eighth season of the country’s most coveted annual music competition. However, some of these contestants have participated in the contest before, with only two new entrants.

Meet the artistes contesting for the Primus Guma-Guma Super Star Season 8 grand prize. Who will win the coveted prize?

KHALFAN

Like Jay C, 25-year-old Khalfan will be participating in the music contest for the very first time. The rapper, born Odo Nizeyimana, began his career in 2013 as a backup singer for Bull Dogg during the third season of PGGSS, who he partly attributes the rise of his singing career too.

Khalfan was also a member of boy band Home Boys, and has released a number of songs including Ntiwagaruka, and Na bosibo, among others.

ACTIVE

Thierry Mugiraneza, Derek Sano and Olivis Mugabo make up the trio Active, a group that has captivated many people with their epic dance moves.

Trying out their luck for the third time, the group is known for songs like Pole and Active Love.

They started out as solo artistes before teaming up in 2013, and featuring rapper Danny Nanone in a song called Udukoryo, which became an instant hit.

The boy band owes much of its success to the Guma-Guma competition which gave them a platform to build their fan base.

BRUCE MELODIE

Bruce Melodie is shy, but when he sings, his clear accent and gaze bring out another persona. Born Bruce Itahiwacu, the singer prefers to be called Bruce Melodie.

The 26-year-old artiste came to the lime light in 2011 when he released songs like Tubivemo and Ndumiwe. The Afro-R&B artiste has since evolved.

The singer has also taken part in several seasons of Guma-Guma, where he has continued to impress revellers.

Bruce Melodie is the first Rwandan artiste to take part in Coke Studio Africa, which introduces Africa’s budding music talents to a new and wider audience through interaction and collaboration, while building a brand connection with Africa’s young and growing population.

YOUNG GRACE

The 27-year-old rapper came into the limelight after participating in the second edition of Guma-Guma.

In an effort to cultivate a huge fan base, Young Grace has recorded collabos with other popular Rwandan musicians, including Jay Polly, Ama G the Black and Knowless, among others. The artiste has been on the music scene for over seven years.

JAY C

It’s the first time that 27-year-old Jay C is taking part in the competition. However, the rapper, real name Jean Claude Muhire, scooped most votes during the nominations on Wednesday.

Jay C began his singing career in 2005 with former hip-hop group Magic Boys. The rapper has since embarked on a solo career, and some of his tracks include I’m back, featuring Bruce Melodie, Sibomana, and Isengesho ry’igisambo.

JUST FAMILY

Just Family was formed in 2006 and was initially composed of four youngsters; Kim Kizito, Bahati, Shema Jimmy, and Radjab Habiyambere.

Kizito left the group and was replaced by Chris Fernand Nisingizwe. At the end of 2011, they won an East African award for Best Group in Rwanda.

CHRISTOPHER

It’s Christopher Muneza’s fourth time in the competition, having come second place after winners Urban Boys in 2016. He is known for songs like Ijuro rito and Your body, to mention a few.

The 24-year-old R&B sensation shot to fame after the release of his debut album titled Habona, which was followed by joint music projects with popular local artistes like Tom Close, Dream Boys and Knowless, among others.

Some of his songs include Ishema, Sigaho, Amaitamo, Iri Joro, Habona, Babyumva, and Simisiga.

UNCLE AUSTIN

Uncle Austin, real name Austin Luwano, is not just an artiste, but a radio presenter on Kiss FM. The 31-year-old started singing professionally in July 2009. Before venturing into singing, Uncle Austin was an MC.QUEEN CHA

Born Yvonne Mugemana, this is Queen Cha’s second time in the competition.

Her hit songs include Icyaha ndacyemera, and Umwe rukumbi, among others. The sultry singer started singing at a very young age and in 2012, she released her debut album Umwe rukumbi featuring Riderman.

This 26-year-old singer started her music career in 2010 with support from her cousin Safi Madiba, a former member of Urban Boys, before Riderman signed her to his record company, Ibisumizi studio.

QUEEN CHA

Born Yvonne Mugemana, this is Queen Cha’s second time in the competition.

Her hit songs include Icyaha ndacyemera, and Umwe rukumbi, among others. The sultry singer started singing at a very young age and in 2012, she released her debut album Umwe rukumbi featuring Riderman.

This 26-year-old singer started her music career in 2010 with support from her cousin Safi Madiba, a former member of Urban Boys, before Riderman signed her to his record company, Ibisumizi studio.

MICO THE BEST

32-year-old Prosper Turatsinze, better known by his stage name Mico the Best, is participating for the third time in the competition. Apart from singing, Mico is also a music producer, famous for songs like Akabizu and Umugati.