He was scheduled to officially return to the stage on Friday, September 15 – but the show, which was scheduled to take place at Mundi Centre, was cancelled at the last minute mainly for safety reasons.
Authorities deemed the venue located at Rwandex, Kicukiro District not safe enough to hold a big crowd of people, especially coming for a musical show.
Rukotana, who has since found his niche in Gakondo or traditional music, was supposed to be joined by Massamba Intore, Ange & Pamela, and Abamararungu on stage, in what is expected to be a platform to reinvent himself.
The 26-year-old traditional singer, and his new management, I.M Ent, rescheduled the first edition of 'Dutarame u Rwanda' to Friday, September 22, this time at Onomo Hotel in Kiyovu.
"We have a safe place now which is Onomo Hotel. We have done enough due diligence and the place is big enough to receive a big number of people than the previous venue,”
"We have also ensured that security and safety are taken care of. The whole team is ready. So, people should expect magnificent performances and a great show. The time has not changed. We are starting at 2 pm up to 10:30 pm,” Rukotana told The New Times.
Rukotana is appealing to music lovers, particularly those who are passionate about traditional Rwandan music, urging them to come through and support his efforts to take ‘Gakondo’ to the people.
"Dutarame u Rwanda" is expected to go around the country. Those who had already bought their tickets will have access to the venue while those looking to support him can do so digitally or at the venue.
"It's always a pleasure to perform for my fans. It's been a while since the last time they've seen me, but I plan to make up for it,” he said.
Tickets go for Rwf10,000, Rwf20,000 as well as a table for six people for Rwf250,000.
Rukotana, rename Victor Mporera, started doing music in 2017 under the management of singer and radio personality, Austin Tosh Luwano, commonly known as Uncle Austin and went on to release a number of songs including ‘Mamacita’, ‘Sweet Love’, ‘Warumagaye’, ‘Kideyo’, ‘Se Agapo’ and the latest ‘Akayama’.
The Eastern Province-born singer adopted the name 'Rukotana' from his grandfather, who was equally talented in traditional and cultural Rwandan dance and music.
Born in a musical family, he moved to Kigali in 2014 with the main mission of launching his music career, kicking it off with his brother and friends who were equally strong musically. In 2018, he decided to embark on a solo career.