When Burundian gospel artiste, Fortran Bigirimana, performed in Rwanda, in 2016 during his ‘Ntacyo nzoba’ concert, he was overwhelmed by the love and support he received from his local fans.

The France-based Burundian musician has travelled the world, spreading God’s gospel through music, but his experience in Rwanda led to the birth of ‘Fragrance of Worship’ last year. His concert featured performances by Cameroonian gospel superstar Olivier Cheuwa and gospel music couple Chris and Laura Christensen.

Bigirimana, who is famous for songs like ‘Amahoro’, ‘Ntaconzoba’ and many others, is a common fixture on the Rwandan gospel scene. Together with Moriah Entertainment Group, they are organising an annual gospel music extravaganza. The concert will be staged in Rwanda and Burundi, bringing together regional and international performers on the same stage.

"As a worship leader, I have spent many years in the ministry of praise and worship, and I wish to share my experience on stage with other artistes,” said Bigirimana in an interview with The New Times.

The ‘Fragrance of Worship’ concert at Christian Life Assembly (CLA), on July 1, will feature performances by Maggie Blanchard from Canada and Dena Mwana from the Democratic Republic of Congo at Christian Life Assembly (CLA), on July 1.

Local artistes including Serge Iyamuremye, Gaby Kamanzi and Luc Buntu are also expected to perform.

Gaby Kamanzi said bringing international artistes means a lot to the growing gospel music scene in the country.

The ‘Arankunda’ singer has performed for other audiences abroad including France, Chad, and Senegal and recently in Belgium.

"From my experience in my travels, I have seen other worshippers create time for rehearsals and improve music even when it’s just worship and this is something we should learn.”

"When you travel and meet people who also minister in worship, you learn from them especially since we are church worshipers.  As Christians we all have the same heart of worship and meeting many worshippers helps us learn more even from the simple things like stage appearance, and playing the instrument. Even worshipping with them on the same stage is amazing,” she said.

At the event, Bigirimana will also launch his 3rd album dubbed, ‘Ntaconzoba’ that was recorded in Kigali, in 2016.

The album in the languages of Kirundi, English and France, he says he hopes will be a blessing to people around the world. His English songs will be launched in Canada, America and England.

"My songs in French have touched lives in France and Burundi, which inspired me to sing in other languages. Soon I will be able to sing in Swahili because I believe that the message of the gospel can be well understood to the some people through songs,” he said.

On July 8, the ‘Fragrance of Worship’ concert will be held in Bujumbura, Burundi, and Belgium and Canada in September.