Gakondo Group treated traditional music lovers to mesmerising performances at Hotel des Mille Collines on Friday evening.

The event was part of the beginning of a series of performances which will be held from the same venue every Friday.

Gakondo group used to hold weekly performances at Hotel Des Mille Collines, but stopped playing close to the end of 2014 when authorities introduced restrictions on noise pollution.

The performances were delightful and nostalgic as Rwandans were taken back to their cultural roots and music.Led by Masamba Intore, the group performed for over two hours from 7pm to 10pm.

Alongside his band, the music pioneer of the group performed some of the famous songs like Nyiratunga, Kanjogera, Wirira, Mama Ndare, Ingendoy’abeza, and Ziravumera, among others.

The attendance was impressive given the fact that it was the opening event ever since they stopped performing at the venue.

Jules Sentore, who is also part of this group, performed some of his hit songs which saw the audience sing along in delight. Songs like UmpeAkanya, Udatsikira, Ngera, and Indashyikirwa got the traditional music lovers on their feet and danced along with the singer.

It was a night when the traditional Rwandan pastoral poems came back to life as poets reciting names of cows (Amazinay’inka) thrilled revellers with Amahamba.

Speaking after the event, Masamba said he was excited by the turn up and that they are looking forward to bring new tricks to spice up their events every week.

"I’m so impressed by how people turned up. We didn’t advertise the event but people came in large numbers,”"The performances were really awesome given the fact it was the opening. We are planning other special acts every week,” he said.

Masamba also revealed that there are other events organised ahead of World Economic Forum which will see the guests learn about Rwanda’s traditions.

"Yes, it’s true that the guests should visit the memorial sites and other features of the country, but there’s also a need for them to know what Rwanda has to offer in terms of traditions and culture.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw