Primus Guma Guma contest is back

The second edition of Primus Guma Guma Superstar (PGGSS) kicked off recently with a gala show at Kigali Serena Hotel, bringing together music fans, organisers and hopefuls from all parts of the country. The colourful event to announce the 20 contestants started at 7p.m, with a live performance by Rainbow band and Salsa dancers. Bralirwa welcomed guests with drinks and snacks.“I am so glad to participate in the Primus Guma Guma competition,” one of the competitors Knowles noted. “I thank the organisers of this major music competition for giving artistes the platform to improve their talent and to reach out to their fans across the country.” The “Byarakomeye” star, Knowles, who was nominated in the female artistes category, pleaded to the public to vote for her. Uncle Austin, who joined Rwanda’s music scene in 2009, said that he was very happy to be nominated among the 20 contestants.“Now we have to fight to get to the top 10, and my strategy is just my music because I have many songs that have moved people and they still love them,” said the “Nzakwizirikaho” singer, Uncle Austin.This year, only 10 aspirants, who will be nominated by the public by SMS and Internet, must prove their prowess to Rwandans, with the ultimate winner expected to walk away with a grand prize, in additional to a recording deal and promotion of a new album. The grand finale is slated for July 28, at Amahoro Stadium.TV commercials promoting the show’s return are already being featured on RTV. During the road shows, the audience will be able to follow the participant’s journey on the national television.Commenting on the competition, Jan van Velzen, Bralirwa’s Commercial Director, said that this year’s edition of Primus Guma Guma Superstar will be bigger, better and funnier.“This season will be totally different from the first one, because the voting of the 10 contestants will be done by Rwandese people themselves in different categories. And 10 finalists will participate in corporate social responsibility activities, including visiting memorial sites,” Velzen explained.You can expect a variety of genres of music; from Afrobeat going straight down to R&B and to Hip-Hop. Besides that, you can also expect contestants to take part in community activities such as Umuganda, visiting orphans, involvement in the anti-Nyakatsi programme, among other activities.Primus Guma Guma Superstar represents a continuous commitment towards supporting talent and live music. Before the competition kicks off, professional voice coaches will guide the contestants to help them perk up their voices. The countrywide road shows will commence on May 5 until June 23.“It is a wonderful thing to see Primus Guma Guma resume. I am already excited and can’t wait for the actual music competition start,” Jessica Uwera, a student at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, said.Last year, Primus Guma Guma Superstar was won by charisma R&B singer Tom Close, who recently released his song “Good Time Tonight” featuring Jamaica-based American R&B star Sean Kingston.Controversy emerged thereafter amid claims that the National University of Rwanda’s medical student unduly won the title .However, in his recent interview with The New Times, Samuel Kariuki, Manager of PricewaterhouseCoopers, the auditing firm that audited the first edition of Primus Guma Guma competition, which will also conduct the second edition, refuted the allegations.“The organisers and sponsors had no influence whatsoever on the results. PricewaterhouseCoopers did the audit and did it very independently; and it was done within certain international standards,” Kariuki explained.“Those standards ensure that whatever comes out reflects very independent and very objective outcome,” he added.Below are the 2012 Primus Guma Guma Superstar nominees in their respective categories:AfrobeatKamichiKitokoRafikiUncle AustinHip-HopBull DoggDanny NanoneRidermanJay PollyR&BPatrick NyamitariKing JamesEmmyMani MartinFemale Artistes PaccyYoung GraceKnowlessGroupDream BoyzJust FamilyUrban BoyzThe Brothers.

Leisure

Primus Guma Guma contest is back