To mark the end of the 15th commemoration of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi, Amahoro stadium will host the first ever multipurpose festival to be held in the country.

The festival which will take place on 17 July, 2009 is coordinated by Hope Rwanda in partnership with Luis Palau Festivals.

Following a series of festivals hosted by Luis Palau Festivals in Europe, Rwanda took the honour of being the first African country to host such a festival.

The Luis Palau Festivals has for the last 50 years been hosting events all over the world but this will be their first event in Africa.

"Rwandans should look forward to having the biggest festival ever, the very first in Africa,” said Pastor Andrew Palau, the chief organizer.

The festival’s goals will be restoring hope to all Rwandans regardless of their history, building a sense of happiness and value among the survivors and to preach God’s word through the many activities that will take place.

"The festival is free of charge and it will have lots of activities that no one should miss,” said Joel Ngoga, director, Hope Rwanda.

During the festival, three activities will be taking place simultaneously; interactive games and programs for the children, Gospel singing and preaching and motor cycle competitions.

Gospel artists from all over the world will grace the ceremony. Renowned worship singer Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong team will also perform. Among others are Nicole C mullen author of  the famous song ‘My redeemer lives’,  Building 429 gospel group, Dave Lubben and Rwanda’s own Enrique  Sifa.

The event will also attract musicians from all over Africa especially East Africa.

To ensure the third part of the event is catered for, celebrated riders are to compete. Among these are the US based FMX Freestyle Motor Cross, ESPN Xgames champions. Kyle Loza a famous Californian rider and two time award winner is an exception.

People’s Excitement.
Meanwhile Rwandans have already expressed their excitement about the event.

"I just can’t wait to see Darlene Zschech perform in my own country, her songs are sung in many Rwandan churches,” said Collette Umubyeyi a worship team leader. She confessed that Hillsongs have always been translated to Kinya-rwanda by churches to suit their praise and worship.

"I am more interested in Kyle Loza, he has achieved a lot yet still young,” states another youth.

For Darlene Zschech, her dream is to restore hope to the genocide survivors. She was quoted saying, "I am so convicted to just get in there {Rwanda} and bring hope and love to the amazing survivors and heroes who live in this land today.” 

Pastor Andrew Palau assured Rwanda of open opportunities after this event.

"Doors of opportunities will be opened for Rwanda but most of all hope will be restored. We all know that without hope, the present is lost, this challenges all Rwandans to fight for hope,” he stated.

President Kagame gave a go ahead to the festival on Tuesday when Hope Rwanda and The Luis Palau Organisers called on him regarding the issue.

Ends