WITH THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 on Rwandan artistes, Rwanda Gospel Stars Live took the initiative to support gospel artists with opportunities to perform on TV. Every selected artist is however, supposed to present a project for the company to facilitate the implementation of the best outstanding project via Vote and Support. So far, Rwanda Gospel Stars Live has worked with top 10 gospel stars and five upcoming artists. Clementine Uwitonze, a gospel artiste best known as Tonzi and founder of ‘Birashoboka Dufatanyije Organization’ that helps children with disabilities is one of the participants in Rwanda Gospel Stars Live. Through the platform, she initiated another project ‘Toza Ibyiza New Generation’, which she explained is ‘a very big platform for children to learn good behavior.’ “We are in a digital world and sometimes having children watch all the content can ruin them. So, Toza Ibyiza New Generation has an online platform that contains children songs in various languages, talking about values, love, respect, culture, reading Bible and all Godly values that a child deserves to have. In the Bible, Proverbs 22:6 says ‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ All children are included and all ages are, far from the other online contents which are not meant for children,” Tonzi said. The ‘Humura’ hit maker told The New Times that unless the children are well raised, their future is compromised and she is trying to fight against that. The idea, she said, came from the yearly event she hosts dubbed ‘Spread Love’ where all children with and without disabilities meet and showcase their talents, have fun and share everything together. Tonzi emphasized that she intends to make this an ongoing project even after the three months of Rwanda Gospel Stars Live campaign. She plans to open up a recreation center for children that has a library, play grounds, gaming hall and all that will make that place a home for kids. “Thanks to all Rwandans who support me and show me love in my gospel music and in ‘Birashoboka Dufatanyije Organization’ as well. We really need to work together to teach our children the best behaviors and Godly value as well as love and respect and culture,” she concluded.
