The gospel talent hunt that has been ongoing for a month came to an end where the winner received their awards on April 16, in an Easter Gala Dinner in Kigali. Based on our previous article, the competition has been ongoing and the votes were taking place on RWANDAGOSPEL.COM as well on RISE AND SHINE WORLD YouTube Channel.

With Anneth Murava, Macrine Kangabe, Joshua Shimwa and Peace Hoziane who were the judges, the contestants were in two different categories: one of upcoming gospel artists and the other one of fresh new gospel artists. They all had two sessions with the judges.

Prior to the Easther Gala Dinner, they had their final performance and later all contestants were given certificates. Not only them, but also the sponsors of the events and so RWANDAGOSPEL.COM received a certificate, journalists were certified as well as the event organizers and judges too.

All Contestantsperfoming "Ugendane Nanjye"

RSW Talent Hunt - Judges

Chance Christopher Twizeyimana, the 1st winner in the upcoming artists category

Mami Espe, the 2nd in the upcoming artists category

Claudine Giramahoro, the 3rd in the upcoming artists category

Therefore, the winners were announced with their prizes that came in cash immediately. Starting from the upcoming gospel artist category, the winner Chance Christopher Twizeyimana got Rwf 300,000 cash, the 2nd one, Esperance Nyiranzabonimpa aka Mami Espe got Rwf 200,000 cash, and the 3rd one Claudine Giramahoro got Rwf 50,000 cash.

In the fresh new gospel artist, the winner Sandrine Umuhoza received 300,000 cash, the 2nd one is a group of Desire Niyonkuru and Vumilia Niyihoza who got Rwf 100,000 cash and the 3rd is Emmanuel Niringiyimana who hot Rwf 50,000 cash.

In total, the winners were six and they received Rwf 1,000,000 cash. The first winners in each category will get song productions, one will get both audio and video production and the other will get audio and video lyrics production, all the costs on RSW.

Sandrine Umuhoza, the 1st winner in new artists category

Vumilia Niyihoza & Desire Niyonkuru the 2nd in new artists category

Emmanuel Niringiyimana, the 3rd in new artists category

RWANDA GOSPEL received a Certificate

All the winners expressed their gratitude to Bishop Alain Justin who initiated this cause and to the entire Rise and Shine World Ministry for the willingness to support talented gospel artists.

Photo credit :  Julien Sangwa

by K.J

The USA, Dallas-based ministry Azaph International DFW (Azaph Dallas Fort-Worth) of Zion Temple has released a new song as they are getting ready for the gospel tour concerts in the USA.

The new song , ‘Yampishe mu Ihema’ came out with the new melody queen in the Azaph team, Diane Nyirashimwe aka Deborah as dubbed by Apostle Dr Paul Gitwaza .

While George Jonson produced both the audio and video of the song, and JC Birori led the song, it was Pastor Felix who took the initiative in August 2021 to this +10-minutes song and it will be on the Azaph International DFW second album.

In an interview with InyaRwanda.com, one of the ministry leaders, Esther Mugunga revealed that the song contains some commiseration messages and suggesting people not to be afraid since God got their backs; “The message in the song is all about telling people that God keeps us in his tent and so for he got our backs, we shall never be afraid. That is why we named it so,” said Mugunga.

After ‘Umwami w’Ubwiza’ Azaph shared ‘Yampishe mu Ihema’. The later was recorded live and they emphasise on the good works of Jesus who renewed them, kings and worshipers. As a pick from the song says, “That day of hardship, he hid me in his tent, I relaxed in the hiding and found myself in the rock. Jesus performed wonders that we can’t tell, he is the one to believe. He renewed us, Kings and Worshipers, in him we are safe. Let’s praise him.”

Azaph International DFW is planning to have some gospel concerts tours, “Azaph DFW Tour” in different states of the USA with the theme, “King of Glory'' starting from May 15, 2022 in Lowa state, Des Moines city.

The concert will start at 4pm in Lowa state. Entrance fees are; 25$ for the ones who will buy tickets online and 30$ at the gates and 50$ for the VIP spots. As it appears on the flyers, Dr Paul Gitwaza will preach the word of God. The performers will be Azaph DFW, Gisubizo Lowa and Diane.

by K.J

American-based Rwandan gospel artist  Dr Albert Ndikumana released his new song ‘Urahambaye’ as a sign of his major comeback after seven years of silence.

It is a collaboration with Precious Nina, a local gospel singer on such a song ‘Urahambaye’ Ndikumana said, “It's been about 6 to 7 years since I was devoting myself to studying and not recording songs. It's not easy  to balance studying and music here, so I had to take a break from music to continue my studies.”

He had to first settle in the USA and therefore took on studies. However, after 7 years, he revealed that now he is back and so invested in music after spending a lot of time in medical school.

The song was produced at the Texas music studio Wavelab Studios, owned by a Rwandan producer, Fabrice Nzeyimana, and directed by renowned video director Cedru the one who directed songs of famous artists like Stand Ben, Medi and Priscilla.

According to Dr. Albert the inspiration of this song came from the Word of God. The verses read; Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Albert explained, “From these verses, I got to understand the power of God. He can speak to the wind, the sun, everything and they listen. That’s why I composed the song.”

Dr Albert who has been juggling music with studies since he launched his career in 2009, is in the final year of his studies at Texas University where he is pursuing a Master’s in medicine, is also a doctor by profession.

This father of two had been involved in various music projects before taking some break from music. He built some projects with Fortran Bigirimana and Dudu T.  Niyukuri from Burundi; not forgetting Gabby Kamanzi, one of the very big names in the Rwandan Gospel industry.

When asked his way forward he declared that since he is putting some finishing touches on his studies, he is back for good in music and soon he will share like three other big projects.

by K.j

An Australian-based international Gospel Ministry, Rise and Shine World initiated a Gospel Talent Hunt Competition dubbed ‘Ugendane Nanjye’ and so far the voting procedures are on the way.

It has been going on for about two weeks and for voting, one can do so on ‘Rwanda Gospel’ by clicking VOTE under the contestant's name. Another option is via the RSW YouTube Channel where one goes under the contestant video, clicks like bouton, and comments with the best message from ‘Ugendane Nanjye’ song by Bishop Justin Alain.

The judges in this competition are yet to be announced as they are expected to meet the contestants this coming week. The hunt will close on April 15, 2022, a night prior to the Gala Night which is scheduled on April 16. More to this will be shared in our next insights.

Let’s be reminded that ‘Ugendane Nanjye’ is Bishop Alain Justin’s new song and it is all about the prayer he made immediately after the death of his wife in February 2016. He was asking God to ‘Walk with him’ in the very new and hard journey of responsibilities of raising the four children all alone and one of them was a toddler. For more, read our previous piece, here.

The France-based Rwanda gospel artist, Hope Bella in her new song ‘Urukundo rw’umukiza’ reminded all the people in the world about the love of Jesus Christ who accepted to save them with his blood.

Hoe revealed that her inspiration came from the song she loved from the book and so she decided to dub it in a new music genre. “The song contains the good message of the love Jesus the savior loved us. I wanted to remind everyone that Jesus who had no sin loved us more than any other thing and died so that we can be saved while we didn’t deserve it at all,” said Bella.

She added, “For sure there is nothing that can go beyond that extraordinary love. It is only him that we all should trust and confide in always to guide us in our life journey.”

When asked about some other projects that she has after this, Hope replied that it is a lot and all is in line with keeping to serve the Almighty God.

Watch and listen to her song ‘Urukundo rw’Umukiza’

A renowned gospel artist, Israel Mbonyi revealed that he is planning to have a big concert of launching two albums that he worked on during the Covid-19 pandemic. He shared the news on his Twitter account with a statement that said, “Good news my people, If all goes well, We have a big Concert This year and Am launching my 2 albums made during Covid_19 (Mbwira & Icyambu ). We are praying and working on that.. more info ahead.”

This announcement is made after some other big concerts he held like the one of 2016 in which he launched his debut album dubbed ‘Number One’ and the ‘Intashyo’ in 2017.

Let’s be reminded that the 'Icyambu' hitmaker is also expected to perform at two big concerts in Israel from April 18, 2022 at the Roman Amphitheater of Kfar Shuni located in Binyamina-Giv'at Ada, Israel, and the second one will take place on April 20, at Ariel Sharon Park, Tel Aviv. Our very own Mbonyi will be alongside renowned Israeli singer and songwriter Avraham Tal. 

As the first beneficiary of this initiative, Mbonyi declared that traveling to Israel was his first dream and being able to play music live in the same country is an additional blessing to his career. In addition to that, he said, “The tour will not only benefit me but the whole Rwandan music industry which is going to be represented in other countries and get exposure which can open gates for more local artists.”

by K.J

Africa Let’s Worship (AFLEWO) organized a special evening of praise and worship as well as praying which is scheduled on Friday, March 25, 2022.

The AFLEWO Rwanda leader; Yves Mahoro Rwisumbura in a press release stated, “We are thankful to God for protecting us all within the last two years, 2020 and 2021. It was so difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we keep the prayers and commiserating those who were challenged in any way during those times. Let’s keep on believing in God as our savior.”

He indicated that after being disturbed by the covid pandemic, they resumed the praise and worship for seven hours. The event is scheduled for March 25, 2022 at CLA Nyarutarama. As the source we get this from; Mahoro said, “We resumed our praise and worship for seven hours. Starting from 5:00 pm until midnight. However, the Covid-19 prevention measures will be respected. Especially full vaccination and tests.”

All the team in charge of the event are in collaborations and well prepared to meet at Christian Life Assembly (CLA) Nyarutarama and together they believe to see some other people there. It is a Come one, come all for the praise and worship evening gathering and everyone is allowed to bring some friends and relatives along with an aim to never leave any behind the balls towards God.

The purpose of this is to pray and worship as well as reach out to some people in hard times so that they may know the goodness of God and the love of Jesus Christ that chance a person, a country, and various states for the glory of God.

AFLEWO has been operating in Rwanda for 12 good years since 2010. It is an international ministry initiated by Say Star University students from Kenya. Their aim was to unite Africans in one night a year for the prayers, thanksgiving, praise, and worship via songs.

by K.J

One of the very big names in the Rwandan gospel music industry, Patient Bizimana released a new song ‘Ipfundo’ which he got to name his third album after. It is the first song in eight that will be on that album. This came after Patient Bizimana and Gentille Karamira Uwera wedding on December 19, 2021. 

In an exclusive interview, Patient declared that the entire album will contain good songs of thanksgiving and some of them are collaborations with other worshipers.

“In my song ‘Ipfundo’ I am singing that with all the best things that God did to me, he will also do the rest since Jesus is the knot of everything. The entire album will be focusing on thanksgiving to Almighty God”, said Patient Bizimana.

His first album ‘Ikime Cy’igitondo’ has songs like ‘Menya Neza’, ‘Yakomeje Izina Rye’, ‘Nongeye Ndaje’, ‘Iyo Neza’ and many more. The second album ‘Impanuro Yo Guhembuka’ has songs like ‘Ubwo Buntu’, ‘Amagambo Yanjye’ just to mention a few.

Back to the third album, which he managed to do with the support of Producer Sano Panda from GoDaddy Studio. Pando is the producer behind ‘Ipfundo’ as a song too.

by K.J

Jeannine Uwimana, a USA-based Rwandan gospel artist shared her new song in which she focuses on reminding people that they only live in God’s mercy. As a line picket from the song ‘Nakwitura Iki?’ she says, “We ought to thank God day in, day out since we all live in his mercy and grace. He protects us from all the worst, sickness, accidents, pandemics and all…”

In an interview with the local media that sourced this story, Inyarwanda Uwimana, a Seventh Adventist Christian from ‘Buffalo Suburban’ located in the United States of America, in New York City, Buffalo said that she started doing music in the Sunday School, since 2005 and later joined the adults choir. However, due to the shift to the USA, she decided to be an independent artist in 2014.

Within that journey, she has managed to release two albums and is now working on the third. As she revealed, her role models in the gospel industry are: Phanuel Bigirimana, Uwera Sarah and Yvonne Uwase. Regarding the choirs, she likes; Ambassadors of Christ, Christ Heroes/Intwari za Kristo and Jesus is Coming/Yesu Araje Family Choir. 

Uwimana yavuze ko amajwi y'iyi ndirimbo ye nshya yafatirwa na PC Records ariko indirimbo igatunganirizwa (Mastering) mu Rwanda mu Ishusho Studios kwa Nicolas. Yavuze ko impamvu yabyo ari uko studios zo muri Amerika ziri ku rwego rwiza ziba zihenze cyane kandi mu Rwanda bakora ibintu byiza ku biciro bidakanganye.

“There is something I want to ask you, my Lord. Why do I sin a lot, and do all the worst in your eye but you still forgive me and do good for me? Let me ask you Jesus, what can I reward you for doing good to me days and nights yet I am a sinner?” Sings Jeannine.

With all she emphasizes on reminding people that it is by the grace of God that they exist and so they should live by praising him by all means. Uwimana declared that she doesn’t intend to give up on this industry. The best are yet to come.

by K.J

Grace Nyirawumuntu a worshiper who lastly released a song in the past five years, recently released a new one, ‘Narakwiringiye’ which focuses on how God healed her.

She revealed that she wrote this song in late 2021 when she remembered the goodness and miracles that God has done for her. In that song, she shared an amazing testimony about how she got healed by God when all the medical treatments failed.

She said, “I did that song when I was during the time to remember all the goodness, blessings and miracles that God has been performing in my life. When I was 5-6 years old, God amazed me with a miracle of curing the sickness I had been battling. He did it via dreams.”

So far, Grace has had three songs ever since she started doing gospel music; ‘Nakijijwe N’ubuntu’, ‘Ndamushima’ and the recent one ‘Narakwiringiye’. She confirms that it is God’s timing to share this with the world.

In a live interview, Grace revealed that if we all can look back at what God has done for us, we can understand that all the harships we might be going through have no power over us. Instead we should always trust in God since he never looks at how we know him, what we do or anything at all. He simply has a focus to do good to us.

Nyinawumuntu promised to never go back since she aims at delivering good messages via songs as long as God will allow her to.

by K.J