Gakondo artiste Jules Sentore is set to headline a live concert on May 29 at Kigali Universe, in a showcase built around his latest album Umudende, released on August 1, 2025. The 12-track album reflects Sentore’s personal journey, blending themes of struggle, artistic growth, and legacy. The upcoming performance will bring these songs to life, alongside a selection from his wider catalogue. Speaking to The New Times, Sentore said the concert is designed to fully showcase the project. “The main focus is performing every song from my album, as well as other songs of mine that are not on the album,” he said. The concert will feature a lineup of notable performers, including Massamba Intore, Umukondo Gatore, Rugaba, Chrisy Neat, Peace Jolis, Junior Rumaga, and the Ishyaka Ry'Intore, with more acts expected to be announced in the coming days. True to the spirit of the album, Sentore said the concert will be firmly rooted in traditional Rwandan culture. “It is a concert grounded in Gakondo, built around my work in that space,” he noted. The name Umudende carries historical significance. It refers to one of three rings—alongside Impotore and Gucana Uruti—traditionally awarded to warriors who distinguished themselves in defending the country. “Those rings were symbols of honour, given to individuals with exceptional records in protecting the nation,” Sentore explained. “I chose the name Umudende because this is one of the albums I created with great difficulty, requiring a lot of energy and a significant budget.” That challenge was heightened by the album’s international production. Initially conceived in 2020, the project was recorded in the United Kingdom rather than Rwanda. After completing an early version, Sentore was advised to redo the entire album due to quality concerns related to modern production standards. “It is an album that truly consumed my energy, but one I can confidently say was very well written,” he said. The project was produced by Madebeats, one of Rwanda’s leading producers. Among the standout tracks is Usa n’u Rwanda, featuring Cyogere Mubahungu, a song that celebrates the beauty of Rwandan culture, spirit, and heritage. For Sentore, an album represents more than just a collection of songs. “An album is like a diploma for an artist—it adds to your body of work. It requires deep thought and preparation; it is not something you rush into,” he said. He applies the same level of care to live performances, noting that he consulted elders, assessed the circumstances, and evaluated his own readiness—factors that contributed to the gap between the album’s release and the concert. “A concert requires resources, teamwork, and even blessings from elders. Without all that in place, it is difficult to move forward,” he said. “I do not believe in doing things halfway. I prefer to prepare thoroughly and perform when the time is right—for my fans and for lovers of Gakondo music.” Tickets are available in three categories: Ikirenga Table, reserved for groups of six at Rwf 300,000 (Rwf 50,000 per person); Rutemikirere at Rwf 25,000; and Indamutsa at Rwf 15,000. For over a decade, Sentore has remained a prominent figure in Rwanda’s Gakondo music scene. He debuted with Muraho Neza in 2013, followed by Indashyikirwa in 2017, and is widely known for songs such as Umpe Akanya, Udatsikira, and Warakoze.
