The gospel music is enjoying a meteoric wave of new talents having a breakthrough that barely existed in a decade. Two Rwandan sisters wholeheartedly introducing themselves to the game while pursuing demanding university degrees and, since launching their career, they are showing no signs of backing down. They are getting deep down into what they love since their tender age. Alicia Ufitimana and Germaine Ufitimana, known professionally as the duo Alicia & Germaine, represent a new generation of Rwandan artistes who are successfully balancing studies with musical career which has for quite some time proven demanding. The sisters, both members of ADEPR Ruhangiro church in Rubavu District, discovered their calling in music through the keen eye of their father, Innocent Ufitimana. Their journey began when he noticed their natural harmonies during casual singing sessions at home. I noticed the children's talent when they were still young. One day I heard them singing together and I thought it was good,” Ufitimana said of his daughters. I took them to the studio and we recorded their first song called 'Urufatiro.' I had written it thinking I would sing it myself, but when I heard how well the children sang it, I gave it to them,” he said. Ufitimana then founded the Aba Music label to support his daughters' careers. This organic discovery led to the creation of their debut single Urufatiro. Since joining the gospel industry in 2024, Alicia & Germaine have built an impressive lineup of six songs namely, Urufatiro, Rugaba, Wa Mugabo, Ihumure, Uri Yo, and Ndahiriwe. Each track reflects their commitment to their stated mission: to spread the good news in Rwanda and beyond. Their music resonates with audiences seeking spiritual upliftment and positive messaging, positioning them as emerging voices in Rwanda's gospel scene. The duo's hard work paid off on December 24, 2024, when they won their first major award for the Best Gospel Artist prize at the inaugural Rubavu Music Awards and Talent Detection. We won the 'Best Gospel Artist' award and it was a good step we've taken. It's a good achievement because it gives us more strength and hope that other things will follow, it's a matter of time, said Alicia. Alicia is pursuing Medicine and Surgery at the University of Rwanda, where she is preparing to enter her third year. Germaine studies Languages and Literature at Ecole De Lettre De Gatovu, currently in her fifth year. Combining music and studies is very easy. Each of us has set up our own timetable that we follow so that nothing conflicts with anything else, so that one thing doesn't interfere with another,” Alicia explained. Alicia reflects on key insights gained during their first year in the industry. We learned well that patience is painful but pays off. We learned that not everything that glitters is gold and that discipline is the key to success. But above all, we must put God first, she said. These lessons are reinforced by their father's guidance, who emphasizes humility, moral integrity, and spiritual grounding as foundations for success. Looking ahead, Alicia and Germaine have ambitious plans to expand their reach and impact. We have many projects we want to do. We have many messages we want to deliver to people. We want to make an album and hope it will be international, that the message will reach everywhere. We understand we will also make songs in other languages,” Germaine said. The duo said they are more of evangelists than artists and that it’s their calling.
