Four-time Grammy Award-winning American Christian rapper Devaughn Moore, known as Lecrae, performed in Kigali on September 6 as part of his ongoing Reconstruction World Tour. The concert took place at KCEV and was attended by fans of all ages from Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda. Lecrae arrived on stage at 9:20 PM after opening acts Chryso Ndasingwa and his wife Sharon Gatete, and local gospel rappers. Wearing a green jacket and pants with black trousers, he kicked off the night with Over the Top, followed by an energetic set that kept the crowd standing, singing, and rapping along. ALSO READ: Grammy Award winning rapper Lecrae to perform in Kigali He performed songs from his latest album Reconstruction, including “Break for Break,” “Church Clothes,” “Jireh,” and “I’ll Let You Know,” weaving in messages of faith and testimony between tracks. Lecrae explained the inspiration behind the Reconstruction album during his set, sharing personal stories and biblical reflections. This Kigali stop is one of several on his international tour that blends music, message, and ministry Before the concert, Lecrae also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where he paid his respects to Genocide victims laid to rest there and shared heartfelt words about the Genocide against the Tutsi and its impact. Deeply moved by the experience, He described it as something that left him emotionally shaken but spiritually strengthened. “I don’t know what I am going to say after what I just experienced, words can’t describe it, man. My heart is broken but full at the same time because I know, even in pain, God makes promises,” he said. ALSO READ: What’s behind Rwanda’s emerging gospel music takeover? People’s experience Bella Keza, one of the concert goers, had dreamed of watching one her favourite gospel artistes like Lecrae performing live. She said that the concert was an unforgettable experience and admired Lecrae for his ability to mix performance with preaching. “It was so much fun from the DJ to Lecrae when he came out, the crowd had so much energy. I was with some friends, and we just had an amazing time. He also preached a word, so we really connected with him,” she said. It was amazing to see someone I listened to in childhood now live in real life, she added. ALSO READ:Gospel rapper releases new song about reconciliation For Prince Valence Ntizigama, the concert was a deeply personal and emotional experience for him. Having grown up listening to Lecrae, he never imagined he’d one day see him perform in Rwanda. “The experience was fun, because I grew up listening to Lecrae, and I never thought I could see him in person or even performing in Rwanda. He sang all the songs I wished to hear, even the ones that are more than ten years old, Ntizigama said. What really stood out was how he added testimonies while singing. It’s something we’re not used to with other artists. It was a blessing to me to see him sing and explain the message behind the songs,” he added. ALSO READ: What makes Kamanzi’s ‘Amahoro’ tick? Rwandan gospel singer Gaby Kamanzi praised Lecrae not only for his musical talent but for his ability to deliver a spiritual message through his performance. What made the singer truly excited was the way Lecrae preached in between songs, making the concert feel like both a show and a sermon, adding that the energy of the crowd showed how much people in Rwanda love and know his music. “The concert was really good, but what I liked specifically is that he knows how to sing, how to rap, how to interact with the public,” she said. “But what really stood out to me is how he adds the word of God. He kept preaching in between his performances. Each song came with a message. You can hear that he’s not just a rapper or gospel singer; he teaches the word of God. That touched my heart. I wish he could come back.”
