Byumvuhore, Kayirebwa thrill folk music lovers

It was a night of nostalgia as legends Cecile Kayirebwa and Jean Baptiste-Byumvuhore delivered a once in a lifetime performance at ‘Umuntu ni nkUndi’ concert last Saturday. The highly anticipated event took place at Petit Stade Remera and attracted hundreds of Rwandans. The stars of the night were Kayirebwa and Belgium-based Byumvuhore who kept getting requests from fans to repeat certain songs and the duo did not disappoint as they sang song after song to the delighted crowd. Ben Ngabo is one of the performers who moved the crowd with his songs during the concert. Songstress Kayirebwa was ushered unto the stage by Mc Tino before an ululating audience. She performed some of the songs that have made her a living legend including Umunezero and Tarihinda and Inkindi among others. Midway through her performance, the already excited crowd went wild when the Minister of Sports and Culture Amb Joseph Habineza stood to dance. It was also a memorable mother-son moment as Kayirebwa’s son Eric Karengera filmed and took photos of his mother in action. Peace Jolis sings out his heart during the concert. As soon as Kayirebwa was done, it was time for the much awaited Byumvuhore to come on stage amid deafening cheers. Byumvuhore churned out song after song as he played the guitar in an emotional moment not only for himself but also his fans. Dan Ngarukiye goes local with his Inanga during the concert. Dozens of people thronged the stage to stash money in his pockets. Soon, the pockets filled up and a collection box was put in place for people to drop in money. But the most touching moment of his performance was the reaction of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) who had attended the show, mainly those he grew up with in Gatagara Centre under the care of Father Fraipont Ndagijimana. Members from the crowd dance to the tunes of Ben Ngabo during the concert. “This is an emotional moment for us, to see him return home and sing just the way he used to. It brings back some nostalgic feelings,” said Betty Mukafuraha, one of the PLWDs who attended. Byumvuhore sang songs including Umbabarire Mawe, Urwiririza, Fagitire, to mention a few, which are all good old songs indelible on the minds of many Rwandans. Children get to the dance-floor. He performed a dedication to Father Ndagijimana, in between taking a moment to tell stories reflecting on the past such as the struggle of recording songs on cassette tapes before CDs had come. The event was co-hosted by Tidjara Kabendera and Kate Gustave. Peace Jolis opened the show at 5:30 pm with popular tracks like Musimbure and Mpombera. A concertgoer takes pictures of Cecile Kayirebwa as she performs. The emcees then introduced traditional artist Dan Nkurikiye who was accompanied by two colleagues. He performed songs like Ndabakumbuye and Inkuza. Next on stage was the event organiser himself Focus Ruremire. The traditional music singer started off with a sample of his song Bihogo before he called on the band to back him up as he performed ‘Cya Kijigija’. The show was however interrupted by a power blackout which lasted for nearly 30 minutes after which, Ruremire continued with other tracks like Umuntu ni nkUndi, from his album Ntungurishirize Umuco. Ben Ngabo Kipeti delivered his songs including Ingendo y’Abeza and Ryangombe sending the crowd into frenzy. The crowd gets excited with the performance during the concert. (Photos by Timothy Kisambira) The classy performances paved way for the arrival of the much awaited legends Kayirebwa and Byumvuhore. The organiser, Ruremire said he was content so far with what they have been able to achieve, with all the three concerts so far sold out. “I am very happy we have achieved what we intended. We had a good concert. I thank God the legends have been able to make it. Byumvuhore, Kayirebwa and Ben Ngabo are an inspiration to many of us,” Ruremire said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Byumvuhore, Kayirebwa thrill folk music lovers