In 2011, Rwanda’s biggest annual music competition Primus Guma Guma Super Star (PGGSS) was incepted to help and grow music entertainment in Rwanda. Sponsored by Bralirwa’s Primus lager brand and created by East African Promoters (EAP), the singing competition has over the years, been one of the most highly anticipated shows, with road shows being staged across the country.

With the recently concluded eighth edition of the competition, critics say the show is losing its popularity and hype. Sharon Kantengwa finds out people’s opinion about the competition

I think the organisers forgot to keep up with their main objective. When Guma Guma started it was real and it featured super stars like the name suggested. These days, however, they don’t consider artistes who have released hit songs and some artistes who haven’t released any song, say in two years, keep coming back and the fans get disappointed when their big artistes don’t make it to the competition.

Organisers should follow what goes on in the music industry and which know artistes are leading and not just rely on journalists and producers. Another thing, everything has been the same and it has become monotonous, this is entertainment and the organisation shouldn’t be routine. It’s always the same venue, same branding, and same services, yet there are so many people out there that they can involve in making the event successful.

MC Tino, artiste and radio presenter

***********************

This year’s competition was shadowed by the World Cup matches but other than that, the organisers need to renew the project because the competition is now predictable. We all knew that Bruce Melodie was the winner before the competition began and you cannot be excited when you already know the winner. So I think they need to renew the competition and become more creative.

Rita Mugire, entertainment reporter (Radio 10)

***********************

I am not sure whether the criticism is based on any concrete evidence. I haven’t had a chance to hear what the arguments on the other side are but I have been to a number of PGGSS events and the evidence is quite simple: it’s popular and many Rwandans, ordinary Rwandans, enjoy the shows and get to have fun as their favourite artistes compete.

Yes, there is room for improvement and there are many ways to invest in music and advertise at the same time, but one thing is for sure: there are many things PGGSS can’t do for the music sector to move to the next level, such as establishing infrastructure that improve quality and growth, but it is serving its purpose quite well. The minute you understand the purpose of PGGSS, you know things are so far so good.

Gilbert Rwabigwi, blogger

***********************

First of all, let me say that this is one of the greatest events that will go down in the history of Rwandan music. But between its 5th & 6th Season, it lost the competition, the buzz, and its popularity decreased slowly.

It also became too predictable for music fans. How do you call it a competition when you know the winner? I think the idea lost its touch in the long run and some changes should have been applied earlier.

David Bayingana, Radio presenter