Kitoko out, Faycal in

ALL roads lead to Nyamagabe District for another electrifying performances during the preliminary round of the first-ever Primus Guma Guma Superstar (PGGSS) road show that starts today until Sunday in Rusizi.

Organised by Bralirwa in partnership with the ‘East African Party’, PGGSS competition is designed to bring together the best local artists and engage the whole nation in an exciting and energetic musical journey.

Last Saturday at the Kigali Serena Hotel, judges revealed the ten contestants who to compete for the coveted prize to become the ‘Primus Guma Guma Superstar 2011.’ The ten are: Dream Boys, Dr. Claude, Urban Boys, J-Polly, Riderman, Rafiki, Mani Martin, Kitoko, King James and Tom Close.

The winner will pocket US$10,000 (Rwf6 million) and fly with the star to the U.S to record a song and a music video ---boosting his career and broadening exposure.

Meanwhile, on Thursday May 12, Bralirwa told the press that Kitoko pulled out of the competition and was replaced by Faycal Ngeruka.

"We want to inform you about some changes, which happened a few days after Saturday’s event. Kitoko has decided not to participate in the PGGSS competition,” Aline Asselot, an official from Bralirwa said.

"We have been discussing for a long time with him, but he has concluded that he will not be part of the competition, which we respect.

We tried to understand the rational behind it,” she explained. 

Asselot continued: "So from now on, Kitoko is no longer among the contestants. We analytically checked the list and the next artist was Faycal. We are happy he accepted our invitation.

We welcome him on board and wish him good luck,” she added.

The ten artists were selected by a panel of 55 professional music journalists, producers and experts who shortlisted the best local artists based on their performances. 

The selection was based on an artiste being of Rwandan nationality, pursue his/her music career in Rwanda, be above 18-years of age and have had music hits from 2008-to-date.

"I’m really grateful and thank the organisers for the opportunity to participate in the competition. To be honest, I wasn’t disappointed that I wasn’t nominated in the initial top ten contestants, but surprised,” Faycal said.

He added: "This is a great opportunity not only for me but even the other contestants to win the competition.

And the competition is not only about Bralirwa itself, but the country because the winner will represent Rwanda. So, I’m glad to be in the race and let the winner be!” Kitoko would today grace the ‘Rwanda Nite’ at club Rouge in Kampala, Uganda.

Miss JoJo and Shanel were amongst the Top ten artists initially selected, but both declined to participate.

Miss JoJo pulled out of the competition due to her religious beliefs, while Shanel pursued other activities in Canada.

"We deeply regret not having these two exceptional female Rwandan artists on board for this great competition, but we entirely respect their decisions which are motivated by personal choices,” Alexander Koch, Bralirwa’s Commercial Director commented.

The ten contestant’s fate is in the hands of the public. During the two months of May and June, rehearsals and road shows would be held across the country to appeal to the public.

Voting would be processed through SMS during the week following the event.

During that period, each person will vote for only tone of his/her favourite Superstar.

The final event will take place on July 30 at Amahoro Stadium during an event to be graced by international artist Sean Kingston.

Ends