Congolese gospel music maestro, Alka Mbumba, has been confirmed to headline the 5th edition of Easter Celebrations concert slated for April 21, at Gikondo Expo Grounds. The annual Easter celebration event was initiated by local singer Patient Bizimana with the vision of bringing together Christians and all people to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus through praise and worship. After Nigerian singer Sinach’s performance at last year’s edition, Bizimana made it official that he would bring US gospel music legend Don Moen next for the 2019 edition. However, the American singer ended up performing at MTN Praise Fest, in February this year, ending Bizimana’s dream to host him as the main act. Alka Mbumba is arguably one of the top Christian musicians in DR Congo, and it’s with good reason that he’ll headline this year’s Easter celebrations. Courtesy He, however, made assurances that they will still enjoy the show and is confident Mbumba and the rest of the headliners can get them entertained and remain filled with the Easter spirit. “I made sure everyone know that Don Moen would come for this year’s Easter Concert, and it later changed because he performed at another event, but I am not concerned because he delivered what we expected him to offer at our concert,” Bizimana told The New Times. “We can still celebrate Easter and I am sure the invited artistes will still make concert goers entertained. Now everything is set and, most importantly, all the invited artistes have confirmed their presence and performance. What I am sure of is that the scheduled performances will give us a reason to celebrate Easter in style,” he added. Mbumba has established himself as one of the biggest gospel musicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo and his song ‘Fanda Nayo’ continues to hugely inspire worshipers at different churches across the region. His other popular songs include; Baba Wangu, Belengi ya Yesu, Oza Malamu, Deconnexion and and Mwamba Uliyo Pasuka. Mbumba will be joined by Burundian popular worship Choir Redemption Voices as the concert’s main headliners. They will be performing alongside local gospel artistes like Gabby Kamanzi, Healing worship Team and Shekinah Worship Team, as well as concert host Bizimana. The concert has been a stage scene for Africa’s big gospel artistes, having previously hosted South African Solly Mahlangu, Kenyan Marion Shako and last year’s headliner Sinach from Nigeria. Entrance tickets for the concert will be available on sale after the 25th Genocide commemoration week. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
