PGGSS 4: Senderi, Young Grace intensify preparations

Artistes are doing everything possible to avoid any slip-up as the Primus Guma Guma Super Star season 4 makes the final lap. Award winning Afro-beat artiste Senderi International Hit and Hip-Hop diva Young Grace talked to Dean Karemera about their performances since the start of the competition and how they rate their chances of winning the competition. Young Grace – I want to take advantage of home support How would rate your performance ever since PGGSS 4 began? I have had great performances and I’m happy for what I have been able to achieve since the beginning up to now. I always get a thunderous reception and people know most of my songs. Do you think you have what it takes to get into the top three? It is highly possible. I performed well on all road shows and every time I would look at the public they would be dancing and singing with me. Secondly, I try to do what the judges want; stage management, vocal abilities and discipline among others. Would you say that you are comfortable with all your previous performances? Obviously! I did my best because there is no way I could afford to underperform yet I know that this is a competition. I gave it my best. In what aspects do you hope to improve? I’m constantly working hard. As we speak I’m doing rehearsals. I want my voice to be strong and I’m closely following up my backup dancers to ensure that they are well-versed with their dance routine. How do you intend to take advantage of the home crowd? I know every person has an artiste they support in the competition but I would be happy if they supported me. They have always supported me and I look forward to their support. I will give them a wonderful performance because my win is the pride of my home town. You have a unique sense of style, what is your inspiration? I’m not inspired by anyone in particular because I’m a designer. I design clothes for people, so dressing up for a performance comes naturally and I always consider the crowd because I want to make an impression. I plan all my attires and I’m happy that I have not made a fashion blunder ***************** Senderi – I’m among the strong contenders How do you always come up with ideas behind your stage dress code? I always take time to think about the area we will be performing. Actually even my back-up dancers usually don’t know what they will put on. I consider something that is synonymous with the town. For example, I carried a basket of sweet potatoes in Gicumbi because I know people in Byumba like sweet potatoes. Butare is known for the National University, so that’s why I put on a graduation gown. I do all this because I want people to feel that I’m part of them What will be your main focus in Rubavu? I will strive to sing and perform better than I have done previously. I will not say what I will do in particular but people should expect a better performance. I will let my actions speak for me on that day. What has been your biggest strength throughout the entire road shows? Experience has been my strongest element. I had big performances in Nyamagabe, Huye, Muhanga, Rwamagana, and Ngoma among others. My singing style is popular and I always give my best when performing. Do you think you have what it takes to make it to the top three? Definitely I do. Currently I and Jay Polly have the most fans. I’m not writing off anyone but I stand a big chance. I have been consistent but I will need support from all corners although I’m confident of making it through to the top three. What plans do you have in case you fail to make it? I will always strive to be better. Last year I didn’t make it to the final 5 but I still worked hard and made it this year. I will continue doing my best and winning more awards. With the pressure that comes with live performances, aren’t you scared of making mistakes? No, I’m not. I have been in the music industry for long and I have enough experience. I know how to perform for people of different ages. The way I perform for the crowd in Kigali is not the same as how I perform when in Musanze or Muhanga. I have performed for different crowds and I have never disappointed What determines the choice of your songs? I always want to perform for all people of all ages. For example, the songs I chose for the live performances are balanced. Twaribihoye and Jalousie are songs I recorded in 1999 and 2003 respectively. They are popular with adult people whereas Nsomyaho and Icyomoro are Afri-Beat songs that are common with the youth. Balance is what influences my choice of songs.

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PGGSS 4: Senderi, Young Grace intensify preparations