It was all glamour and excitement on Sunday as the country’s gospel personalities took to stage to receive their awards at the SIFA Awards. Those recognised include pastors, local NGOs, educators, media personalities, and choirs.

Rwanda Governance Board, Rwanda National Police, Kabgyayi Hospital and Hotel Bethania were also recognised.

Peter Ntugurirwa, the managing director of Isange Corporation that organised the event, said the awards were meant to appreciate gospel personalities and partners who had endeavored to spread the gospel.

"This event is not a competition or contest, which is why we did not have nominations. The event is rather aimed at rewarding Church ministers, leaders and partners who are doing the work of God and encourage them to carry on with God’s ministry,” he said.

Ntigurirwa told The New Times that the awardees were chosen by the media.

"After gathering information from the media and Christians, we studied the impact that these people and institutions had on the Christian community and decided to reward them,” he said.

Despite a poor sound system, Christus Regnant Choir, Maranatha Choir from E.A.R Choir and Rehoboth Choir managed to lead the audience into spiritual realm with hymns and praise and worship songs.

Patient Bizimana and Deo Munyakazi also thrilled the crowd with great performances, singing praises to God.

Pastor Antoinne Rutayisire was the preacher for the day.

Gospel artiste Theo Bosebabireba, born Theogene Uwiringiyimana, was awarded for taking the gospel outside Rwanda; while Aline Gahongayire was awarded for her charity organisation, Ineza Initiative, with Gaby Kamanzi also being recognised for being the best gospel artiste in featuring with others.

Producers Bill Gate and Karenzo were also awarded for being the best audio and video producers, respectively.

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