An online concert staged at an arena with 3,000 empty seats took place in Kigali on Monday afternoon.

Organisers opted to live stream the concert with no spectators a day after music fans were informed of a last-minute decision to call off the concert amid fears of a novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

‘Each One Reach One’ gospel concert, organised by celebrated artistes Gentil and Adrien Misigaro, was initially scheduled to take place in the presence of thousands of revellers at Intare Conference Arena in Rusororo on Sunday, only to be cancelled after the government discouraged large public gatherings.

Even though Rwanda has not recorded any case of Covid-19, the country is on high alert with the government recently calling on the public to avoid large crowds to help prevent possible outbreak of a virus that has so far killed over 4, 000 people and infected another 110, 000 across the world.

‘Each and One Reach One’ was one of two major concerts called off on Sunday, March 8, adding to a growing list of events that have been suspended due to the Covid-19 threat.

However, this did not deter the North America-based duo of Gentil and Adrien Misigaro from holding their concert, only this time it was just streamed online on YouTube.

Adrien Misigaro took to social media Monday to inform their fans about the decision to hold the concern online.

"Based on the enormous public requests by hundreds of people who were waiting for Adrien and Gentil Misigaro’s concert, together with other artistes, we are going to live stream our concert so that we are able to share what we had prepared,” the U.S.-based gospel musician tweeted.

Speaking to The New Times later, Adrien Misigaro said holding the concert online was also inspired by the distress that has engulfed many people over the coronavirus outbreak.

The concert was staged at an arena with 3,000 empty seats in Kigali. Courtesy.

"We wanted to reach out to the many people and families who are going through hard time,” Misigaro said.

More than 800 people watched live while more than 20, 000 have since watched it on YouTube.

The ‘Mfite Impamvu’ star noted that the aim was to glorify God and lift up His name. "Of course an audience around is better, but we were just trying to lift up God’s name. As a Christian, I believe in uplifting the glory of God before anything else.”

There were no more than 30 people inside the Intare Arena conference, including the acts themselves, the band, choir, instrumentalists and camera crew.

Gentil Misigaro performs at Intare Conference Arena with the backup singers on Monday, March 9. Courtesy photos.

"I performed a number of songs, including my three new songs while my brother (Gentil) performed his latest singles. In total, I think we performed 17 songs among which eight were mine. It was a very powerful concert to us,” Adrien said.

But what is the fate of those who had bought tickets?

Everyone who had bought a ticket, according to the organisers, will be refunded their money.

"Those who want to have their money refunded, we are going to let them know in less than 24 hours where they can collect their money from,” The Misigaro cousins confirmed, adding that some people however have agreed not to seek a refund to support their ‘ministry’ which they said seeks to support government efforts to fight drug abuse.

The two gospel stars, who will be leaving the country by next week said that, it was unfortunate they were unable to perform in front of their fans, but acknowledged that safety comes first. They promised to schedule a concert at a later date when the situation normalises.