There were no surprises or drama last weekend when RnB singer Bruce Melodie was announced the winner of the Primus Guma Guma Super Star 8, walking away with the grand prize of Rwf20 million.

The Ikinya singer was expected to win the annual music competition, but surprisingly he did not get the award for most voted for artiste by the public.

Despite appearing among the top three musicians who received the most votes from the public through SMS, Bruce Melodie, real name Bruce Itahiwacu, was upstaged for the “most voted” artiste by Christopher who bagged Rwf15 million.

Christopher also finished second overall, getting an additional Rwf4.5 million. But, it was Bruce Melodie who would emerge victorious. It had been expected that he would emerge the winner despite Christopher posing a worthy competitor.

Aline Umutoni, a member of Bruce Melodie’s fan club Ibitaganza arrived at the Private Sector Federation parking in Gikondo at 4pm, where the final show was staged. She said no other artiste has worked as hard as Bruce Melodie in the past five years.

Talented

“He has released many songs, some becoming hits in the region as well as many collaborations with local and regional artistes,” the excited Umutoni said.

Indeed, Bruce Melodie has proven over the years that he is one of the country’s most talented artistes, at a time when most musicians are made in the studios and struggle to sing live.

His song Ikinya, released last year, remains a hit upto today and his latest collaboration with Urban Boys and Riderman known as Nta Kibazo, has become an anthem.

Embeera zo, his collaboration with Uganda’s Sheebah Karungi is still dominating airwaves while I am back, which he worked on with rapper Jay C is also still receiving airplay.

“Everything he touches turns to gold,” said Hassan Migambi, another Bruce Melodie fan.

His participation in Coke Studio last year placed him among top regional and continental artistes. In previous Primus Guma Guma Super Star music competitions, he finished second in 2015 behind the winner Knowless Butera and third in 2016 behind Christopher who came in second behind the eventual winners Urban Boys.

It was a surreal moment for Bruce Melodie, who was just a back-up singer for contestants in the second season of the competition in 2012, before he launched his own music career.

Backup singer

“I could not have imagined standing here as a winner of this competition, having started as a backup singer. I dedicate this to my late mum,” said Bruce Melodie, whose mum died in 2012, just as he was venturing into the music industry.

Having been raised by his mother who was a single parent, Bruce Melodie’s music career was almost cut shot as he had to take care of his young siblings when his mother died.

“I am just getting started,” the 26-year said, adding that he will not follow the trend of previous winners who vanish from the music scene after winning.

The new format of Primus Guma Guma Super Star turned out to be less appealing, with critics saying that Bralirwa should overhaul the competition as it continues to become less popular.

Despite the prize money going up, many feel that the sponsors need to rethink the competition. The roadshows were downsized to just five this year while the finale did not attract a big crowd like previous events.

David Bayingana, a radio presenter and DJ is among those who say that Bralirwa needs to improve the competition, which seeks to develop talent. He however agrees that the competition has boosted the music industry over the years, providing artistes with a platform to make money.

However, many feel that as the years go by, the annual music contest has become less competitive and predictable, with some going as far as alleging that the winners are predetermined.

The final performances were marked by drama after one of the contestants, rapper Khalfan, arrived on stage in white coffin, carried by four pallbearers.

There was pandemonium when the coffin was opened and a white dove flew out as the rapper emerged.

He then went on to perform his song Ibaruwa (letter) and two more songs before he left the stage for fellow debutant and rapper Jay C.

Nothing to show

Despite the gimmick and an impressive performance, Khalfan did not finish among the top five, walking away with nothing to show for his efforts.

The trio of Active finished third, taking home Rwf4 million, while debutant Uncle Austin, who ironically introduced Bruce Melodie to the music industry, finished fourth, taking home Rwf3.5 million.

Queen Cha rounded off the top five, also taking home about Rwf3 million. Young Grace, Just Family, Mico The Best, Khalfan and Jay C went home empty handed.