Rwanda Gospel Stars  Live was an event that aimed at awarding outstanding gospel singers and recognizing their achievements in the Rwandan gospel industry. Let’s have a closer look at some details that highlighted this event from the start.

This event was planned for May 2021 but didn’t happen due to Covid-19 prevention measures. However, efforts were being made to make it happen. During the event preparation, artists who were contesting in this were promised to be given some money from the votings as were as some to help them financially and allow them to get ready. Unfortunately, some revealed that they didn’t receive that allowance.

Due to some lack of professionalism of the event; one of the most known gospel artists, Tonzi withdrew from the competitions. On this, she said, “After realizing the mismanagement of this event, I withdrew myself from such. However, I was so saddened by the fact that they kept on putting me on the banners that were being used to announce the event.”

To ensure the betterment of this event, the organizer announced the jury of judges to define who the winners are. Unfortunately, prior to the event of announcing the winners, all the five judges; Aimée Uwimana, Simon Kabera, Josue Shimwa, Mupende Gedeon, and Pamela Mudakikwa resigned from their duties.

In an interview with Igihe.com, Aimée Uwimana explained some reasons behind their resigning, “At the beginning, we were noticing some unprofessionalism from the organizers, but we were hoping for some better changes. As days went on, it was becoming worse and so we decided to resign and leave for good.”

Aimée added that they were so surprised to know that some people already knew the winners before they decide on who the top winner was, such as MBONYI ISRAEL. The sad truth was, the revealers were the Rwanda Gospel Stars Live organizers. Let us reminds that the list of the winners of the Rwanda Gospel Stars Live Season One is:

Top Winner: Israel Mbonyi , 7 Million Rwandan Francs Prize / Second Place: Aline Gahongayire, 2 Million Rwandan Francs Prize / Third Place: Gisubizo Ministries, 1 Million Rwandan Francs Prize, and Ratajah (As the best upcoming Artist) : 1 Million Rwandan Francs Prize.

A renowned gospel artist from Tanzania, Rose Muhando was invited to perform in the official closing of the event. Yes, she came, and she delivered an amazing performance to the audience who were at Canal Olympia. Though the audience was so limited since many were gone based on the poor organization of the events.

At the venue, in the middle of the event, the band stopped playing the instruments since they claimed that they were not yet paid and after almost an hour they resumed the concert.

Based on people’s reactions to this, Rwanda Gospel learned that this is so sad to see all this negative feedback in the gospel industry, and this needs very closer attention and changes for future kinds of organizations. 

Story by K.J