He is considered one of Rwanda’s most gifted musicians and he proved just that on Saturday. The hype in the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village was matched by the excitement drawn from Social Mula’s performance during his maiden album launch. The ‘Ma Vie’ singer, real names Lambert Mugwaneza, dedicated his life to music and an album was all that was missing to his name to confirm his seven-year journey was not a waste of time. Hosted by MCs Tino and Kate Gustave, the concert started at 8.30 pm as revellers entered the well-decorated venue in big numbers as DJ Diallo, who was the concert’s official DJ, delivered great mixes to hype up the crowd. Prior to his album launch, the R&B singer said he had no words to define his seven-year music journey but believes his feelings are compiled in his first album which he undoubtedly believes can give him a complete identity as a professional musician. “You always feel something is missing when you don’t have an album to your name. To be regarded as a celebrated artiste, you need to have albums to your name which people can relate to,” he told journalist before his album launch. Though he knew he was going to enjoy his night with the fans, he wasn’t sure of the turn-up but he knew his music has earned him a legion of fans since he launched his music career in 2012. The “Warakoze” singer couldn’t control his emotions following the love and support he was shown when he stepped on the stage. He was short of words and said that he could not pay back for the support he was shown. He got on his knees and paid respect to all the people who showed up at the concert. To celebrate his proud achievement, he celebrated with his son, who he dedicated the album to, performing its cover song ‘Ma Vie’ in the middle of the VIP area, holding him in one hand and a microphone in another. The support from fellow artistes, his management the team who made sure his ‘album launch’ is well-organized and coordinated, the family relatives’ turn up and, most importantly, the big turn up can only suffice to show how ‘social’ the R&B singer is. Though there was a last-minute announcement that Burundian singer Big Fizzo wouldn’t perform at the concert, an all-Rwandan line-up of Yvan Buravan, King James, Yverry, Marina and Bruce Melodie made sure everyone in the Akagera tent feel the Burundian singer was not missed at the concert. The singers showed the ‘Ku Ndunduro’ singer solidarity with energetic and well-crafted performances but King James and Bruce Melodie out did other on the stage as they got everyone on their feet during the concert. With Symphony Band behind him, Social Mula ruled the stage in two different performances, performing all the songs that comprise his album from Abanyakigali, Agakufi, Warakoze and Mu Buroko to Ku Ndunduro, Stamina, Ndiho and cover song ‘Ma Vie’ which he performed holding his son. Clad in upper black suit, jeans, and Airforce snickers, the singer made everyone enjoy every moment of his performance following a weeklong rehearsal. Before concluding his performance, Social Mula was showed some love when a group of fans, who are biological siblings, gifted him a cheque of Rwf500, 000 and a visually impaired visual artiste handed him a portrait of his face which he drew for him. Among the supporters was new Youth and Culture State Minister, Edouard Bamporiki, who gave Social Mula a cow while he also pledged government support to Rwandan musicians as part of efforts to make the arts industry more lucrative and profitable for artistes. The show ended at midnight. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
