Easter is just around the corner, and preparations are in high gear for the 5th edition of Easter Concert.

The event, initiated by renowned local gospel artiste Patient Bizimana aims at bringing people together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus through praise and worship.

This year, the concert will be headlined by famous Congolese musician Alka Mbumba. Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the artiste, who usually refers to himself as "Mad for Jesus’’, will perform alongside Gaby Kamanzi, Healing Worship Team, Shekina Worship Team Masoro, Sam Rwabisara and Patient Bizimana.

Mbuka is arguably one of the most respected gospel musicians in the region, and his presence in Kigali is of great significance to Christian music lovers. He is known for hit songs that include Mwamba Uliyo, Tombwama Yesu, and Fanda Nayo, all released in 2017.

Speaking about the show, Bizimana told The New Times that it’s a blessing for him to share a stage with Mbumba.

"I feel so humbled and blessed in my career to be part of this amazing performance and of course serving our Lord Jesus Christ,’’ he said.

Bizimana noted that for Christians, Easter is a time to remember and reflect on the very event that the faith is founded upon—Jesus’ death and resurrection—through which we find eternal life.

And, given that the concert comes at a time when the country is marking the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Bizimana has a message to Rwandans.

Patient Bizimana.

‘’To fellow Rwandans, we have to remember our past, value our present and believe that together we can have a bright future and never repeat the past. This is through loving one another, and ignoring those who spread genocide ideology,’’ said the Ubwo Buntu singer.

It has been noted by many concertgoers why most concerts in the country are usually held in Kigali, yet this is not the only area with concert venues.

Asked for his views on this, Bizimana said that it is something the organisers of events should look into as it requires a lot of money to organise a concert outside Kigali.

Gaby Kamanzi.

"Organisers should take this into consideration so that we can have a chance to perform in different areas of the country,’’ he said.

The concert will be held at the Expo Ground in Gikondo, Easter Sunday, April 21.

The show starts at 5pm, and tickets are available at Rwf5, 000 (regular), and Rwf10, 000 (VIP) respectively.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com