It is one of Rwanda’s most calm towns, tucked away on the shores of the magnificent Lake Kivu. Chilly at times with a fresh lake breeze hovering over it, Karongi town is more of a resort or holiday town than it is known for fun and entertainment.

However, when the Primus Guma Guma Superstar season three road show hit the sleepy town on Saturday, it brought noise and excitement to the usually quiet town, blaring music along with the 11 contestants to cheer up the town’s population.

Thousands of people turned up at the Rubengera playground in Karongi district as the Bralirwa-sponsored music competition gains momentum. 

The contestants are now in the western part of the country where they are expected to perform in Rubavu before going north and then back to Kigali.

In Karongi, residents were treated to mouth-watering performances by the 11 contestants with Afrobeat singer Mico the Best opening the evening act.

The ‘Umutaka’ singer who is increasingly becoming popular with songs such as ‘Bissou’ proved that despite being a first timer it does not take away his chances of competing for the top prize.

Mico was followed by Christopher, who is also in the competition for the first time. The youngster is currently enjoying some fame after outing a number of songs such as ‘Habona’ and ‘Iri joro’ that have made him a household name.

Riderman and Dream Boys claimed the stage with exhilarating performances before their fans. Clad in camouflage pants, a green T-shirt and military-like boots, Riderman proved to his Karongi fans that he is back to claim the ultimate prize.

Unlike the previous two seasons, this year’s PGGSS has showed that artistes can actually work together. Dream Boys performed alongside Knowless in their collaboration ‘Baramponda’.

Also we have seen musicians who are actually not taking part in the competition coming to support their fellow artistes who are in the competition.

In Karongi, the winner of the first season Tom Close joined Knowless, Dream Boys and Christopher on the same stage, to the delight of music lovers.

"I think it is a good thing to see our musicians supporting each other despite being in the same competition where it is expected that each one of them becomes selfish to increase their chances. As a music fan, I think it’s a good thing,” said Eugene Habanabakiza, a resident of Karongi.

Danny Nanone, Fireman and Bulldog put up impressive performances, proving that Hip-hop will be hard to beat this season. 

Recently recovered from the accident, Fireman has not been deterred by the body injuries he sustained but he is rather out to take a shot at winning the ultimate prize of the country’s premier music competition.

Bull Bog too is back after controversially getting booted out of last year’s competition after which he voiced his concerns over the transparency of the competition.

After missing out on the previous two, singer Kamichi proved to Karongi residents that he should have long been part of the competition, putting up an energetic performance. 

The ‘Ibihuha’ star recently vowed to direct all his energies towards music after completing his final exam. The singer has completed his journalism course at the Catholic University of Kabgayi. 

Despite being the only female contestant, Knowless has proved that she is not scared by the ‘boys’ and her elated performance with the help of Tom Close proved exactly that.

The Swag Boys (Urban Boys), as they prefer to call themselves have also showed that they are up for the money, after missing out on the last two.

Eric Senderi was the last person to perform in Karongi and as you might have guessed the ‘Cyomoro’ singer as expected put up a fitting closing act.

Clad in a T-shirt with national colours, camouflage pants and army boots, Senderi again upstage his more established peers with an ecstatic performance with the back-up of a gyrating queen dancer.

One can however say the competitive part of the show is yet to begin with the contestants still using play back on the upcountry road shows.

Live performances will kick off on June 29 in Kigali, while others will follow in Muhanga, Musanze and Rubavu.

On July 27, the last eviction will take place while on August 10, the finale will be held at Amahoro national stadium. 

For the first time, judges will be used along with SMS voting during the elimination phase.

The winner will walk away with a grand prize of Rwf24m.