Knowless out of Guma Guma

Folks itching to see Knowless in Primus Guma Guma Superstar 2014, get ready to be disappointed. Knowless was among the 15 artistes nominated to compete in this year’s PGGSS competition. But the I’ll Follow You star is the first contestant to pull out from this year’s competition.

Thursday, March 06, 2014
Singer Knowless announced that she wonu2019t be participating in this yearu2019s PGGSS competition. Courtesy photo

Folks itching to see Knowless in Primus Guma Guma Superstar 2014, get ready to be disappointed.

Knowless was among the 15 artistes nominated to compete in this year’s PGGSS competition. But the I’ll Follow You star is the first contestant to pull out from this year’s competition.

On Wednesday, March, 5, following Knowless’s decision not to take part in the contest, Kina Music, a record label where the singer is signed, issued a statement. 

"I am honoured and humbled to have been selected as one of the Primus Guma Guma Super Star nominees for 2014. After careful consideration however, I most regretfully decline your offer to join PGGSS 4. As you may be very well aware, I am currently the brand ambassador of MTN Rwanda, which requires me to be part of numerous activities over the next few months.

I also have various commitments that are confidential for now and invitations over the next few months to perform abroad, which will boost my career. This has been a very difficult decision for me. However, I feel I have made the most appropriate decision for my professional development. 

I would like to thank journalists, producers and Djs who voted for me for their precious help in developing my career. I look forward to working with PGGSS on other projects and thank you once more for your time and consideration.”

Primus Guma Guma Superstar is an annual reality singing competition sponsored by Bralirwa’s Primus lager as part of the company’s effort to support the music industry in Rwanda.

The nominees will perform at a concert on March 15 at Gikondo Expo Grounds, where a panel of judges and the public will vote for their favourite 10 artistes to tussle it out.

The 10 finalists will then perform in different parts of the country before the grand finale on August 9, at Amahoro stadium.

Knowless was born in Ruhango District on October1, 1990, as the only child of Jean-Marie Vianney Butera and Marie Claire Uyambaje, who are both deceased. 

She released her debut album- Komeza in December 2011, followed by her successful Uwo ndiwe album in March 2013. She has a number of singles such as Amapingu y’urukundo, Byarakomeye and Rukuruzi to her name.

The 24-year-old singer has staged gigs across the country and performed in Uganda, Belgium, Holland and France, among other countries. And in 2013, she was among the Rwandan artistes who performed at the "Rwanda Day” event in London.

Although Knowless has never won Primus Guma Guma, despite her three unsuccessful attempts, she has won several trophies at the annual Salax Awards including the Best New Artiste and Best Female Artiste.