The Primus Guma Guma Superstar Season Two (PGGSS 2) road show on Saturday attracted thousands of fans in Musanze town as the 10 contestants continued to battle it out for the grand prize.

Jay Polly impressed Musanze revellers

The local stadium was filled to capacity while some of the residents were left with no option other than to jostle for position to watch the performances from outside the stadium.

It was all pomp and fanfare and the weather did not disappoint. The show kicked off at 2p.m with Knowles the first to kick start the proceedings with her hits “Byemere”, ‘Inkoraho’, “Adelphine” and acapela from her new single ‘Sinzagusiga’, which were well received.

Knowles, who is one of only two female musicians in the competition, did what she does best-inviting a male fan from the crowd to the stage who she engaged in a touchy dance.

Next, it was Jay Polly’s turn to convince the crowd. Last year’s second runners-up managed to put up a spirited show that fired up the crowd.

Next on stage was Just Family, one of the three groups in competition, who also wowed the crowd with rare moves on the stage.

The “Nyorohereza” singers seem fully determined to win the top prize despite stiff competition.

Bull Dog, like his Tuff Gangs compatriot Jay Polly, was impressive. The ‘Bye Bye Nyakatsi’ and ‘Customer Care’ star was quite popular with the crowd, demonstrating that hip hop genre could easily take home the honours.

If the crowd response is anything to go by, the ‘Igicaniro’ singer, Riderman, whose ‘Bombori Bombori’ hit stirs up crowds wherever he goes, remains among the favourites.

Late entrants Urban Boyz, perhaps buoyed by their last minute call up, are also serious contenders. It is clear that after all, the group deserved to be in the contest, even without the impromptu departure of Emmy.

The ‘Sipiriyani’ singers are on a high. They are definitely crowd pullers coupled with the fact that they have a couple of smash hits. Their rare dance moves is an added bonus.

Some of the performances were average though Musanze seemed really fired up. Young Grace, Dream Boyz and Danny also attracted creditable response. Young Grace in particular was somewhat bubbling over, perhaps given that she was just about to perform at her birthplace, Rubavu.

Young Grace’s mum along with a group of placard-waving supporters had travelled from Rubavu to urge on the 19 year old female rapper.

“My daughter is out to win. She has what it takes and I strongly believe she will win this contest,” the animated mother said.

Dream Boyz other half, TMC, who is recuperating from a malaria bout was unavailable to support Platini but Jay Polly and Just Family chipped in as back up.

Perhaps the most interesting occasion was when Urban Boys chipped in to provide back up to the Dreamboyz singer, which could put to rest the assumed rivalry between the two boy groups.

Musanze was the second last of the upcountry road show with the last one held in Gisenyi town, Rubavu District on Sunday.

“Musanze was the best roadshow so far,” commented Riderman. “The turn up was massive and the crowd really enjoyed the performances.”

Next weekend, PGGSS 2 will storm Kigali before live shows kick off on June 23.

The ultimate winner will walk away with a package of Rwf24m.

By Linda Mbabazi, The New Times