Gospel music sisters Vestine Ishimwe and Dorcas Kamikazi, popularly known as the duo Vestine and Dorcas, have announced a new chapter in their music ministry as they prepare to release their first song since parting ways with MIE Empire. The pair have dominated headlines in recent weeks following their departure from the record label and management company, bringing an end to a five-year partnership. ALSO READ: Vestine and Dorcas part ways with MIE Empire after five years Speaking in an interaction on their new YouTube channel, the sisters revealed that they are embarking on a new journey as independent artistes, emphasizing that their separation from MIE Empire was amicable and should not be viewed as a fallout. Vestine likened the transition to a parent raising a child before allowing them to become independent. A parent gives birth to a child, raises them and eventually lets them go to see what they can accomplish on their own. That is where Dorcas and I are today. Watch us and continue supporting us, she said. Dorcas echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude to MIE Empire founder Irené Murindahabi and the entire team for supporting their music ministry from the very beginning. We are on very good terms with MIE. We appreciate them from the bottom of our hearts for believing in us, praying for us and helping people discover the gift God placed in us. What happened is simply that the time came for us to begin a new journey peacefully, she said. The sisters also addressed concerns from fans over their six-month absence from releasing new music, insisting that the break did not signal the end of their career. Vestine explained that the hiatus was largely due to her pregnancy and the birth of her first child, while Dorcas chose to wait until they could return to the studio together. People have been talking and writing about it, but yes, I gave birth. I am now a mother, Vestine said. Dorcas added, We are still here. God was preparing us and changing the system. It's like we are starting afresh. The duo is now preparing to release a new song titled Itabaza in the coming days, with several other songs already recorded and awaiting release. Many people told us they were disappointed because we had not released new music. But we have many songs ready. We don't know exactly how often we'll release them, but there is a lot to come, they said. Vestine and Dorcas rose to prominence in 2020 after being discovered by Irené Murindahabi. Under his management, they became one of Rwanda's most successful gospel acts. During their time with MIE Empire, they released a string of popular songs, including Iriba, Arakiza, Yebo, Adonai, and Nahawe Ijambo, and took their ministry beyond Rwanda with performances in Burundi, Kenya, Belgium, Canada, and other countries.
