One of the things the Roman Catholic Church is known for is its choirs’ beautiful unique symphonies. That is also evident in Rwanda, when one of the choirs organises a concert. Most of these choirs have an ardent following of loyal devotees who will not miss a single concert. One of the popular Roman Catholic Church choirs is Christus Regnat, which is known for Gospel music and other positive and faith-based songs songs. They are renowned for songs such Rugamba’s ‘Igipimo cy’urukundo’, and ‘Mama Shenge’, a collaboration with Yverry and Andy Bumuntu. Christus Regnat is lightly translated as ‘Christ reigns’. The choir was founded in 2006, by Christians at the Remera-based Centre Christus who wanted nice music during church services. Alice Ladouce Nyaruhirira, the choir leader, says the ensemble brought together both parents and children with one mission –ministering through music. “Parents and their children joined hands. They started singing simple songs they had learnt from school, but later, other young people including musicians joined and we became a big choir,” The choir has around 100 active members from all age categories, from the youth to adults and the elderly. “We sing Gospel music, but we also sing other songs that could benefit the Rwandan society. We basically sing songs that are not against our faith but can inspire people,” The choir has composed more than 80 songs. “We have recorded five audio albums, and two video albums that were recorded live on our past concerts,” she says. Nyaruhirira says the choir’s primary mission is to sing, which goes hand in hand with “acts of love, entertainment and having fun together. They also teach music theories on their YouTube channel, and are processing hymnals of their own songs. Christus Regnat sings Sunday service, as it is their primary responsibility, at weddings or funerals. They also sing at events that they could be invited to. Their project in progress is the launch of their sixth album, which will pave the way for their 15th anniversary celebration in 2021. “We are always open for people who would like to join and help us Praise God,” she says, adding that 14 years on, they are still going strong and are not about to stop.
