PHOTOS: Ruti Joel kick off US tour in Atlanta, heads to Portland
Tuesday, March 26, 2024

After his first mega one-man concert held at Intare Conference Arena in December 2023, Ruti Joel commenced his US music tour in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend.

The 'Musomandera' hitmaker wowed gakondo lovers in Atlanta on Sunday, March 24, before heading to Portland, Maine for the biggest show of his tour.

Ruti travelled to the US in February for Rwanda Day and has since been in the country promoting his projects and performing for fans in various states across the country.

ALSO READ: Ruti Joel gears up for first one-man show

Speaking to The New Times, Ruti highlighted the love and support he received in Atlanta, saying that it gives hope that Rwandan music is growing and gaining fans all over the world.

"People here rarely visit Rwanda, but the good thing is that they're updated on what's happening and the songs released back home. It's a great motivation to see them singing song after song during the performance,” Ruti noted.

Another thing, he said, meeting childhood friends who share the same interest in promoting Gakondo and are still active in music, gives hope that Rwandan culture will be preserved everywhere in the world.

ALSO READ: Ruti Joel drops maiden album ‘Musomandera’

Ruti's concert in Portland, Maine will take place on Saturday March 30, at the Merrill Auditorium, with an admission fee of $50.

The 'Igikobwa' hitmaker ventured into music in 2012 after joining a Gakondo group alongside Jules Sentore and traditional music icon Intore Massamba. He started as a background singer for various local artistes, and later launched his solo music career.

Ruti's music career took a turn in 2023 after he produced 'Musomandera', his 10-track debut album, a fusion of Gakondo and modern music genres, which topped the charts and made him a household name in the country.