Christina Shusho, a revered gospel artist from East Africa, has set tongues wagging in Kenya with a sneak peek of her latest track, “Zakayo.” In her soul-stirring Swahili lyrics, Shusho sings, “There was a man named Zakayo, the chief of tax collectors and a wealthy man. He sought to see what kind of person Jesus was…”

Given Shusho’s significant fan base in Kenya, the teaser sparked playful speculation. Some even cheekily wondered if the song alluded to Kenya’s President, William Ruto. 

Some Kenyans humorously liken President Ruto to Zakayo—the Swahili version of Zacchaeus from biblical tales. Zacchaeus is known as a tax collector from the Bible who, out of curiosity, climbed a tree to catch sight of Jesus.

President Ruto’s fiscal policies have earned him the nickname “Zakayo” among the populace. Since taking office in August 2022, he’s introduced and hiked various taxes. This has led to a decline in his popularity, especially among Kenyans who feel he’s strayed from his pledge to prioritise the welfare of “hustlers”—the hardworking individuals facing financial challenges.

Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films and Provident Films, alongside the cherished Kendrick Brothers, unveiled their official trailer as they prepare for the nationwide theatrical debut of their latest creation, “THE FORGE,” commencing on August 23rd. Set in the captivating universe of their 2015 blockbuster “WAR ROOM,” this stirring drama delves into the profound impact of mentorship, promising audiences an uplifting journey.

The cast of THE FORGE includes familiar faces such as Priscilla Shirer (WAR ROOM), Cameron Arnett (OVERCOMER), Karen Abercrombie (WAR ROOM) and newcomer Aspen Kennedy. Also starring T.C. Stallings (WAR ROOM), BJ Arnett, Ken Bevel

(COURAGEOUS), Former NFL star Benjamin Watson, Jonathan Evans, Jerry Shirerand Tommy Woodard (FAMILY CAMP).

“We made this film to inspire, challenge and motivate viewers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly,” says director Alex Kendrick. “Our hope is that audiences around the world will recognize the pivotal role that Godly mentorship plays in shaping the next generation.”

The Kendrick Brothers continue to create inspiring and compelling stories for audiences of all ages. THE FORGE is their newest feature, joining FACING THE GIANTS,FIREPROOF, COURAGEOUS, OVERCOMER, and WAR ROOM.

“It is an honor to partner with the Kendrick Brothers to bring another powerful story to movie screens that will impact people and glorify Jesus,” says Priscilla Shirer. “The theme of discipleship is near and dear to my heart, especially as a mom to three boys. My prayer is that this film will inspire parents to pray fervently for their children and for the mentors that God will use to impact their lives.”

The film is accompanied by a suite of inspiring products releasing this summer from B&H Publishing Group, including two books by New York Times best-selling authors Alex and Stephen Kendrick titled “Devoted to Jesus” and “Count Me In,” as well as two Bible studies under the Lifeway imprint: The Forge Movie Bible Study and Fully Devoted. B&H will also release I Surrender All by New York Times best-selling author Priscilla Shirer.

THE FORGE is directed by Alex Kendrick (WAR ROOM) and produced by Stephen Kendrick (WAR ROOM), Justin Tolley (“The Chosen,”), Aaron Burns (WAR ROOM) and Trey Reynolds (FAMILY CAMP), and written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick.

The husband-and-wife duo of Fabrice and Maya Nzeyimana through Heavenly Melodies Ministries (HM) Africa have announced that they are gearing up for a concert which will double as a live recording session on Sunday, June 2, Christian Life Assembly (CLA), Nyarutarama.

The ‘Muremyi w’Isi’ singers are a married couple that have dedicated their lives to serving God through singing. They have written and sung many songs together for some time.

“The session will serve as a launchpad for our new album, dubbed “Transformation”. Join us as we unveil a collection of original music designed to uplift, inspire, and ignite change within hearts and our communities,” Nzeyimana said.

“The key purpose will be the powerful and transforming message of the gospel and its capacity to lead souls to Christ. Advocating for youth engagement in meaningful pursuits and steering away from alcohol and drug use,” affirmed the duo.

“We believe that every melody and word can spark positive change and reinforce the attitude of Christian life embedded in service and transformation," he added.

According to the couple, the title “Transformation” was chosen for both the album and the event to convey the central theme and purpose behind Fabrice, Maya, and HM Africa’s music and ministry. They highlighted that the aim is to evoke a spiritual awakening within individuals.

“Additionally, the session extends beyond personal transformation and seeks to inspire societal change. By choosing the theme, it emphasizes the desire to ignite a positive shift in communities, promoting values of love, unity, and service. The intention is to encourage listeners to embrace their role as agents of change and make a meaningful impact on society."

The duo, originally from Burundi, relocated to Rwanda in 2015, and began working at Christian Life Assembly in Nyarutarama. Their musical journey began around 2014, resulting in the creation of 14 songs for their “Overflow15” album which was launched in Rwanda while together.

They released another album titled “Overflow 19” in 2019, featuring the viral song ‘Muremyi w’isi’.

Additional albums include “Umwizigirwa’ (2009), “Ibihe” (2011), and “Mu Buntu” (2013). Their songs can be found on various digital platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, iTunes, and YouTube, under the name – Heavenly Melodies Africa.

Source/Newtimes

Aime Uwimana expressed gratitude for being touched at heart and honored with an award bestowed upon him by Chryso Ndasingwa, acknowledging that he is deeply moved by the kindness of others, attributing any praise directed towards him not to his own actions but to the grace of God.

These sentiments were shared during an interview Aime Uwimana had with the media after Chryso Ndasingwa commended him for his generosity in extending a helping hand to emerging artists in the realm of gospel music.

He said, "I truly believe that one of the greatest gifts is to be a blessing to others, when people think you have been a blessing to them in guiding them in this path even though I believe it's God who has done it, I feel like it's a tremendous blessing. I am thankful to God who has blessed me to be a blessing to others."

On the other hand, Aime Uwimana sees Chryso Ndasingwa as one of the artists deeply committed to advancing the gospel message, praising his dedication to learning the word of God and proclaiming it.

He remarked, "I appreciate that he has a heart for praising God, a young man who possesses many talents, and I trust that he will continue to grow in them until he reaches the fullness of God's grace. He is a good singer, a good songwriter; I pray to God to lead him to where he has planned for him."

Chryso Ndasingwa, in turn, expressed his intention to express gratitude to Aime Uwimana as one of the artists contributing to the advancement of Rwandan music and pledged to honor him when he sees fit.

He stated, "There is a bad culture of neglecting or underestimating someone's contribution, regardless of whether they are 20 years old or older, it is not right for someone, even if they have been in the industry for a long time, to overlook the essential work of appreciating people in general, we also do it."

Apart from the award he received, Chryso Ndasingwa revealed that there are other diverse projects he plans to collaborate on with Aime Uwimana.

Aime Uwimana is one of the artists who was touched by Chryso Ndasingwa's gesture during the concert where this young man left a significant mark at BK Arena, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

The rwandan gospel artist known for his songs of praise and worship, Chyrso Ndasingwa of the New Life Bible Church Kicukiro, after announcing to his fans that he would perform at BK Arena, fulfilled his promise, and his fans swarmed to the venue like bees, on Sunday, May 5, 2024, to witness the spectacle.

Many attended the concert eagerly, as Chyrso is hailed as a rising star, having started his musical journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are other established artists who perform in their own right, they have not ventured into larger venues like the BK Arena, which can accommodate tens thousand without difficulty.

Israel Mbonyi, who gained fame in 2022 and 2023 with his Icyambu Live Concert held on Easter, has also been absent from the scene, presumably wrapping up his endeavors. Chryso Ndasingwa made history as a new and emerging artist, organizing and performing in his first concert.

Dubbed the Wahozeho Album Launch, Chryso Ndasingwa had the privilege of hosting the event for the first time, performing in a venue that others only dream of, but with a high attendance, including musicians, dignitaries like Miss Rwanda 2020 Naomi, and spiritual leaders like the Senior Pastor of the Evangelical Restoration Church, Apostle Ndagijimana Yoshua Masasu, among others, showing that as he had often mentioned, God had also smiled upon him.

This album by Chryso Ndasingwa features eleven songs, including some that were debuted at the concert, hence the name Wahozeho, which means 'to praise' in the album and the concert.

As evident from the support Chyrso Ndasingwa received from the Christian community attending this concert, including Asaph Music International, Papi Clever and Dorcas, Aime Uwimana, Ishimwe Josh, True Promises, and others who showed their unwavering support.

Asaph Music International from Zion Temple, in particular, surprised attendees with their well-received songs, including the collaboration with Tracy Agasaro titled "Izina Risumba Ayandi." Club Himbaza, known for its participation in the Easter Africa Got Talent competition, also performed their hit song "Habwa Ikuzo," ensuring the audience was thoroughly entertained.

However, it wasn't just them; True Promises, Josh Ishimwe with "Uri Imana yo Gushimagizwa," and Papi Clever and Dorcas with their song "Ameniweka Huru Kweli," which has garnered over 29 million views on YouTube, were among the highlights, leaving attendees mesmerized as they wrapped up the event.

Rwanda's music scene is abuzz with excitement as two of the country's most renowned artists, The Ben and Mbonyi, prepare to unveil their long-awaited collaboration. With fans eagerly anticipating the release of their joint project, the talented duo has recorded the song and is now eagerly awaiting its official debut. Produced by the esteemed and highly respected Mastola, this collaboration promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

The Ben and Mbonyi, both celebrated artists in their own right, have long been friends and admirers of each other's work. Their decision to join forces for a collaborative project has been met with enthusiasm from fans and industry insiders alike. With their unique styles and musical prowess, the duo is poised to deliver a song that will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression on the Rwandan music scene.

Behind the scenes, the production of this highly anticipated collaboration has been entrusted to Mastola, a producer known for his exceptional talent and meticulous attention to detail. With a track record of delivering hit songs and working with some of the industry's biggest names, Mastola brings his expertise and creativity to the table, ensuring that The Ben and Mbonyi's collaboration exceeds expectations.

While details about the song remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: The Ben and Mbonyi's collaboration is set to be a musical masterpiece. With its catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious beats, the song is sure to resonate with fans and cement the duo's status as two of Rwanda's most beloved artists.

As anticipation continues to build for the release of this highly anticipated collaboration, fans are eagerly counting down the days until they can finally hear the magic that The Ben and Mbonyi have created together. Stay tuned for more updates as we await the official debut of what promises to be a groundbreaking musical collaboration.

Ghanaian gospel musician Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, known professionally as KODA, has reportedly passed away at age 46. Reports say a source close to the family confirmed the unfortunate passing of the musician.The musician died on Sunday from a condition yet to be made public. Multiple reports suggest was suffering from kidney disease. Fans and fellow musicians have been paying tribute to Ghanaian gospel star

Koda, renowned both as a producer and a musician, gained fame for his inspiring compositions and his captivating, soul-stirring vocals that struck a chord with audiences nationwide.Some of his most popular songs include Hossana, Nkwaa Abodo, Nsem Pii and Adooso. The leaves behind a wife and three children.

The music community is mourning the loss of beloved artist, Mandisa.  The GMA Dove Award and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist passed away Thursday, April 18th, 2024 in her home in Nashville. She was 47. The cause of death is not yet known.

Fans first came to know Mandisa when she was a contestant on Season 5 of "American Idol" where she finished in the Top 10. Her TV acclaim led to the release of her first album, True Beauty, released in 2007. 

Mandisa, best known for her incredible talent, joyful spirit and genuine love for people, was a celebrated artist with 15 GMA Dove Award nominations and two wins including the 2014 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for breakout album Overcomer. A devoted friend to so many, Mandisa collaborated with numerous artists over the years including TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz and Jon Reddick. 

Her longtime friend, frequent collaborator and former tourmate TobyMac described her best. “Since the first day I met Mandisa, she has been nothing but original and courageous,” Toby shared. “My touring family is better when she is out with us. She genuinely supports each artist that takes the stage, as well as every crew member behind the stage. In a single word, I would say without hesitation that she is one of the most authentic people I have ever met. Her heart is to help others.”

The concert of Israel Mbonyi in Belgium has been postponed due to low ticket sales, moving it from a large venue to a smaller one. Originally scheduled for July 8, 2024, the event was supposed to take place at Birmingham Palace, where Mbonyi performed last year.

The decision to change venues was prompted by the continued sluggish sales of tickets. Justin Karekezi, the head of Team Production organizing major concerts in Belgium, explained that they opted to downsize to a smaller venue due to the slow ticket sales. He noted that despite efforts, VIP tickets, which were initially priced higher, remained largely unsold, while regular tickets were selling at a slower rate.

The concert was initially planned to be held at a venue known as Docks or Dome Events Hall in the city of Brussels. However, due to the ongoing challenges with ticket sales, they made the decision to move to a smaller venue.

This setback comes after Mbonyi's successful concert in 2023, where he managed to attract a large audience, with VIP tickets selling out and regular tickets also in high demand.

Renowned musician Ndasingwa Jean Chrysostome, known as Chryso Ndasingwa in the music industry for his praise and worship songs, is preparing for his first concert at the prestigious BK Arena, which is expected to draw a large audience in Rwanda.

This marks a significant milestone in his music career as he anticipates the long-awaited event after several years of planning, particularly amid the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. As the second-born musician in Rwanda to host a concert at BK Arena following Israel Mbonyi, he has persevered in his musical journey, deeply rooted in his faith as a member of the New Life Bible Church in Kicukiro.

Having ventured into music during the Covid-19 era, Ndasingwa began expressing his devotion through songs, drawing inspiration from biblical verses. His compositions, including the well-received "Mubwihisho," have garnered attention on YouTube, showcasing his spiritual commitment.

Despite the hiatus from live performances, Ndasingwa released a diverse range of singles, culminating in his 2022 EP "Wahozeho," featuring tracks like "Ntajya ananirwa," "Nta yindi Mana," "Wahozeho," and "Biratunganye" in collaboration with Uwineza Rachael. Each song in the EP carries a message of God's enduring love and presence, reflecting Ndasingwa's mission to uplift and remind people of God's love.

In 2022, Ndasingwa participated in a concert alongside other artists like Aime Uwimana, Christian Irimbere, Arsène Tuyi, Rene Patrick, Tracy Agasaro, and Simon Kabera, organized by Ihuriro Irere Family Network, reinforcing the spirit of Christmas and thanksgiving.

His recent collaboration with Ben and Chance in the "Igicaniro Concert" further showcased his commitment to spreading faith-based messages through music, with the support of RG Consult.

On May 5, 2024, fans of Gospel music in Rwanda will converge at BK Arena in Remera for the historic "Wahozeho Album Launch," where Ndasingwa will debut his 18-track album, accompanied by live performances. This event not only marks the unveiling of his debut album but also signifies his foray into technology, incorporating elements of his journey into his music.

Ndasingwa views his debut concert as a fulfillment of his dreams and a testament to God's guidance throughout his musical journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his message of faith and hope with others.

Tickets for the event, ranging from Silver to Diamond categories, are available for purchase, with early buyers benefiting from discounted rates. Tracy Agasaro, who oversees ticket sales, encourages enthusiasts to secure their tickets promptly through the provided channels for a memorable experience.