UPENDO MINISTRIES is a ministry dedicated to educating and encouraging masses through praise and worship songs. Members compose their songs to connect people with God through their music. In 2007, Upendo released their first song, at a time when they were a church choir. The choir launched their first album dubbed ‘Mfite ibyiringiro’ a year later. In 2019, they welcomed new members from different churches to make it a ministry. In an interview with The New Times, Aimable Rutabara, the leader of Upendo ministries said that the current members are the ministries’ third generation since 2007. They are now over 50 members and are based at Restoration Church at Kimisagara. “We recently released our song dubbed ‘Songa mbere’ that gives hope although it’s not easy especially during this pandemic. We have to focus on what the gospel tells us to do and be. We do not go to church like we used to but that does not mean we stop praying and reading God’s Word in our homes. ‘The feedback that we got from five songs that are already out was amazing and it encourages us to keep giving people songs that help them. Two of the five songs have their videos and we hope to release four more songs that will also be featured on our second album. Not to forget also that ‘Wamenyekera’ and ‘Hejuru y’abami’ videos will be out soon”, said Rutabara. Some of their most loved songs includes ‘Wa mwenda’and ‘Hejuru y’ abami’. Last month, they released a song with its video dubbed ‘Umujura’. “The message God gave us in the new song ‘Umujura’ is to urge people to stick to their Christian values. It is important for every Christian to be firm and avoid being separated from God because the devil wants to tempt Christians. Rutabara added that as a ministry, they will strive to promote Rwandan gospel music and asked for support throughout their music career.
