‘Rumata wa Musomandera is a historical concert that will always bring nostalgia to everyone who attended this fusion of gakondo and modern music concert held at Intare Conference Arena. The highly anticipated show was sold out a few hours before taking place and many fans missed out on one of the best live performances from Ruti. Arriving at the arena with a big number of people lining up for check in at the entrance, I caught a glimpse of how excited the people were for the concert. The show kicked off around 6:50 with a performance by Umukondo Gatore in his recent self-praise( Icyivugo) , ‘Rudasumbwa Twataramye’. The dancer, among the best in the country, is a member of Ibihame by’Imana cultural troupe. Gatore was then followed by the performance of singer Mike Kayihura, who was also playing his piano. In a beautiful and melodic tone, Mike delivered a mesmerizing live performance, enchanting fans who joyfully sang along. Singing some of his hit songs ‘Zuba’, ‘Iminsi’ and ‘Anytime’ his live performance showcased his exceptional talent. With great energy Ruti whom people had eagerly been waiting for jumped on stage and the air at the arena and took a turn. Everyone left their seats and some got their phone cameras on the star of the day. Dressed in all white, from his head wrap to his shoes, Ruti was beaming smiles and we knew it was going to be lit. Starting from ‘Rumata’ to ‘ Oulala’ with great help from guitarist Clement whom they work closely with, they gave each song yet another thrilling sound. The stage presence of Ruti is undeniably unique and that’s what fans were out here for. He proved he is the best Gakondo and fusion artiste in a performance that was missed with many different dance styles that had the crowd shocked and in awe. One of his classics ‘Nyambo’ was welcomed by the crowd singing along with the star of the day. When he got to ‘ Rasana’, Mike Kayihura joined him on stage as they beautifully performed the song. He took turns on stage, each time appearing in a different outfit. At one point, he asked if there were people who had brought their partners and revealed that the next song was for his “the one” who was in the audience. Among other songs that got the audience dancing the traditional dance were ‘Cunda’, ‘Amaliza’, 'Ibihame', ‘Gaju’ and ‘ Akadege’. Things got even crazier when he started singing ‘Musomandera’ and the whole crowd went wild. The singer also didn’t hesitate to go to his mother and sang to her this beautiful dedication. His mother cheerfully danced along with his sister. Ruti mentioned that he had a surprise for the audience as the screens went off, making fans curious as to what could possibly be better than such a performance. In no time, a video of ‘VIP’ by the late Buravan featuring rapper Ish Kevin was screened. The audience were indeed surprised but mostly happy to see Buravan’s music. Ruti then went on to perform Buravan’s songs ‘Aye aye’ and ‘ Twaje’ yet giving fans a night of their lives through the good music by Buravan. He danced his heart out and fans were there for it. He did not forget to thank his fans for the love, appreciation everyone who contributed to the success of the show and handed out Christmas presents to children.The concert closed at 11:10pm. Among public figures who attended the concert were Louise Mushikiwabo, Masamba, Andy Bumuntu, Sandrine Isheja, Juno Kizigenza, Promesse Kamanda and Miss Muheto among others. Musomandera, his 10-track maiden album produced in a fusion of Gakondo and modern music released in January 2023, topped charts and made him a household name in the country. Musamondera is Ruti's mother, while Rumata is the artiste's real name.
