Christus Regnat Choir, a Roman Catholic Church choir known for its beautiful unique performance, on November 19, held the much-anticipated concert dubbed ‘I Bweranganzo’ took place at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV).
The concert aimed to draw people closer towards the good news about God’s Kingdom through the choir's unique renditions of both their compositions and older artists' songs, requiring attentive listening to understand every lyric sang.
Over 100 choir members had dedicated themselves three months to prepare for this performance, which saw over 30 songs performed, from ‘Uhoraho ni Umwami’ to Igipimo Cy’urukundo composed by Cyprian Rugamba.
Some of these songs gained popularity due to their messages. For instance, ‘Mama Shenge’ a joint project with singers Yverry and Andy Bumuntu, is their most viewed song in their You Tube. With this song, Bumuntu joined them on the stage, the four-minute performance left no one on his or her seat.
As the clock hit 6:00 pm, the choir began with hymns, shifting to traditional and foreign language songs in the second and third halves.
Some notable song included ‘Uhoraho ni Umwami’, ‘Roho yanjye singiza uhoraho’, ‘Nyaguharirwingoma’, ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, ‘Exultate Just in Domino’, ‘Harirwa Inganzo’, ‘Twarakuyobotse’, ‘Dore Umubyeyi’, ‘Lascia Chio Plang’, and many more
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Equally, Josh Ishimwe, an emerging gospel artiste, who skillfully blends music that celebrates God and tradition alike, served people’s expectation.
Stepping on stage for his performance, he began with the popular the song ‘Sinogenda Ntashimye’, ignited the dance floor with enthusiasm. Following this, he sang ‘Yesu Ndagukunda’ as Massamba Intore joining him to amplify revelers’ excitement.
In addition to these singles, Ishimwe performed his recent released songs like ‘Nakushukuru EeBwana’, ‘Inkingi Negamiye’, and ‘Reka Ndate Imana’, exiting the stage to a round of applause.
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The event drew leaders like Gaspard Twagirayezu, the Minister of Education, Ambassador Robert Masozera, the Director of Rwanda Culture and Heritage Academy (RCHA), Bernard Makuza, Former Prime Minister of Rwanda, Augustin Iyamuremye, Former president of Senate of Rwanda, Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, the Minister of Environment. Equally, notable figures like Massamba Intore, Jules Sentore, Mukanyiligira Dimitri Sissi, author of ‘Do Not Accept to Die’, were also present.
Jean Paul Mbarushimana, the President of Christus Regnat choir, highlighted the challenges faced and made the delay, mentioning Covid-19 pandemic as the cause led to a three-year hiatus in staging concerts.
He expressed gratitude to those supporting the event, praising national security, the Catholic Church's leadership, media contributions, and announced that ‘I Bweranganzo’ show will be held annually to promote young musical talent.
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Jérémie Bizimana, one of their song’s composers and Assistant Music Technical Director expressed that the show was a celebration aimed at showcasing their achievements over the past 17 years highlighting their musical releases, charity work, and emphasized their extensive catalog.
"During the concert, we performed over 30 songs, some of these songs have been recomposed melodically and lyrically”, he noted.
Songs like, ‘Igipimo Cy’Urukundo’ composed by late Cyprian Rugamba were left unreleased but only to be performed by the choir. Additionally, they sang ‘Ziravumera’ and ‘Inkotanyi Cyane’ showcasing their diversity in musical influences.
The group sang in six languages, citing their choice as a means to delve into the essence of each song and discover its true tunes.
"He emphasized the importance of doing research in music, stating that they engage in it to understand the songs better and uncover their true essence.”
Additionally, Bizimana highlighted the inclusion of other artists’ songs in their show, aligning it with their belief in the boundless nature of music.
He stressed the importance of acknowledging and thanking fellow artistes, recognising their contributions to the stage and the industry as a whole.