As the first gospel rapper in Rwanda, the name Bright Patrick is not new on Rwanda’s gospel music industry. But ever since the singer departed for Toronto, Canada to pursue further studies in global health, fans haven’t heard any fresh music from him. The rapper, who is now working on a comeback in Canada, spoke to Eddie Nsabimana about his plans for music.

What kept you busy in Canada?

I was in school and right after it took me a while to transition from school to outside life. Also, I was looking for studios to partner with but I was all set in 2019.

What’s it like doing music abroad?

I would say tough, mostly for two reasons: It is expensive and it requires resources, especially when it comes to visuals. Another challenge is the promotion of music, which is even harder when you are away from home and want to market your music locally.

Do you think Rwanda’s gospel music fans have forgotten your skill?

Not really. That used to be my worst fear all those years I was not doing music. However, people (fans) and the media proved me wrong.  Fans would slide in my direct messages on social media to let me know how much my music is missed and if I am contemplating releasing new music—stuff like that—and this is still happening even today. So this is my main motivation, and it’s a confirmation that there are people out there who still appreciate my music and need more of it.  But the interesting part is that there is a new generation that needs to listen to my music as well, I have to make sure they are served too.

How do you plan to place yourself in the hearts of your music supporters?

I will keep releasing good music and going with trends, musically, and promote my music via local media and different social platforms. I believe that when you try to bring the best out of yourself, God also blesses what you do.

WATCH THE LATEST VIDEO BY BRIGHT PATRICK HERE

Listening to worship songs by fast-rising singer Charles Kagame, one cannot help but appreciate his deep and fervent worship lyrics coupled with soothing melodies. 

His newly released song “Amakuru” has already drawn attention from Christian music lovers, making him stand out among other upcoming gospel stars, as the song employs well-driven and biblically centered lyrics.

Paul Muhirwa Gitwaza (born August 15, 1971) is a Rwandan preacher^[1], televangelist, motivational speaker, and lecturer. He is the Senior Pastor and International President of Zion Temple Celebration Center^[2]; a church that is said to be one of the fastest-growing churches in Rwanda^[3] and that has impacted Africa and beyond. Gitwaza is also the founder of Authentic Word Ministries, an organization with different humanitarian activities including a megachurch; Zion temple Celebration Center, Radio and Television, Schools and Hospitals.

Gitwaza's teachings, writings, daily television and radio program are circulated through different channels and are aired worldwide via online channels.

Zion Temple Celebration Center is located in different districts, in all provinces of Rwanda, and in several cities of African nations, the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Australia and the United States. Gitwaza has been seen as one of the pioneers of the return of the revival after Genocide against Tutsi in 1994 in Rwanda and has been referred to as one of the most influential^[4] preachers in East Africa.

Early life and history

Apostle Dr. Paul M. Gitwaza was born in a Christian Family in the city of Uvira and grew up in the village of Bijombo (South-Kivu, DR-Congo). His father being among the first converts to the Christian faith, led by the Swedish Pentecostal missionaries raised him strictly in the way of the Lord.

Paul received Christ as His Lord and Savior at the tender age of 9, was baptized in the Holy Ghost at 12 and became a preacher at age 14.

At the age of 16 Paul received a life changing vision that would forever define his life journey on earth. In a vision, he saw a man showing him a global map, and this man told him that he would go into different nations preaching the message of the kingdom of God. Paul was very astonished because at that time, he hadn't moved from his remote village to any other place until when he would turn 18 years, in 1989.

From His Village to College

At the age of 18, he went to the University in Kisangani-D. R Congo, where he continued to seek the face of God, and gathered a few students to stand with him in pursuit of God.

In 1992, while attending regularly his daily prayers in the city of Kisangani, God revealed to him about His intention to raise an “End-Time Army” (Warriors) around the world. This mighty army would prepare people for the return of the King of Kings – the Lord Jesus Christ. However, this Ministry was yet to start.

He was instructed to tarry a bit and only start when the Lord would give instructions. God told him that this end-time revival movement would reach every corner of the world, through the mighty army of obedient servants, fully committed and equipped to invade, conquer, occupy and transform the nations for the kingdom’ sake. The army would be made of people devoted to the Lord, uncompromising in their love for the Lord despite the sufferings and persecutions they would face. In 1993, Paul relocated to Kenya from Kisangani with the ambition to pursue studies in Aviation in Australia^[5] while waiting for the appointed time of God to start the promised ministry. While in Kenya he became a full-time minister.

In 1995, three years after the vision was given, The Lord began speaking to him and directing him to start the ministry. It was in that time that the Lord revealed both the name and the location of where the ministry will start. The place was Kigali, Rwanda and the Ministry would be “Authentic Word”.

Paul left Kenya and arrived in Rwanda on October 1st, 1995. This was a major life changing decision to take on during the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis. Authentic Word Ministries officially started in 1996, in humble and very difficult conditions.

Since then, the ministry has grown greatly by the Grace of God and opened doors in several countries on different continents around the globe including Africa, Europe, Asian, Oceania, and North America.

Apostle Dr. Paul M. Gitwaza holds two Doctorates; one in Theology from Alabama Trinity Seminary and another one in Ministry from International Graduate School of Ministry. At different times, he served as President and advisor to other international organizations such as the Church Council of World Relief and Peace Plan Rwanda.

Establishing the Authentic Word Ministries:

Upon Gitwaza's arrival in Rwanda, and his colleagues, they shared with many churches and ministries the message of God on Rwanda and how to build the Watchmen of the nations. Many ministries and churches embraced the vision. Organizing the “National repentance”: From October 1995 to December 1999, they took time to speak to various church leaders about the necessity of national repentance by the Rwandan churches, regarding their roles in Rwandan Genocide. After 4 Years of praying and explaining that cause, finally church leaders agreed. The gathering in Amahoro Stadium took place from the 22nd December 1999 to the 2nd January 2000. They started the event by cleaning the public places, like roundabouts every day with T-shirts written on words that read “Cleaning our city, cleaning our hearts”.

After that service, many Christians made a march up to the stadium where they gathered for crying and asking God for forgiveness. The patron of the conference was retired Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini from the Anglican church, the chairman was Reverend Antoine Rutayisire from Africa Evangelical Enterprises, and 3 coordinators: Rev. Joel Sengoga from Authentic Word Ministries, Rev. Rutunda Emmanuel from Campus for Christ, and Gitwaza himself.

Africa Arise and Shine Initiative

“Africa Arise and Shine” Also known as Africa Haguruka Conference^[6] was launched for the first time in the first week of August 2000 in Kigali, according to the prophecy that God had given to Paul Gitwaza: “God remembers Africa and wants to raise her. He wants her to occupy the leading position in playing her role in the end time revival that precedes the advent of Jesus.”^[7]

Africa Arise was part of the mandate given by the Lord to be launched in Rwanda after the national repentance event.

According to God's vision, Rwanda will become an incubator for the rebirth of a new and transformed Africa. Since 2000 to 2019, the main purpose of the conference was more about raising awareness and sensitizing the African people to understand God's plan for Africa and to respond to this very calling^[8]. The initiative has two parts namely conference and summits.^[9]

Family

Apostle Dr. Paul M. Gitwaza is married to Pastor Angelique Gitwaza and together they have three sons: Elisha, Luke and David.

Aimé Uwimana is a gospel artiste, whose songs, for over 20 years, have touched the lives of many Rwandans. Today, he will be staging the Hari Amashimwe live concert, which is expected to be one of the biggest gospel shows in the country.  He had a chat with Sunday Magazine’s Sharon Kantengwa about his musical journey and experience.

Take us back to when you began your music journey. How can you describe your starting point?

Local gospel music powerhouse Moriah Entertainment has signed upcoming gospel upcoming star Charles Kagame based in Australia. Moriah will be in charge of Kagame’s music projects and promotions both in Rwanda and Australia.

Moriah is famous for discovering and shaping gospel music giants in the country like Aline Gahogaire, Patient Bizimana and Gaby Kamanzi and hopes to do the same for the new kid on the block Charles.

Speaking to KT Press, Moriah’s artistic director Benjamin Musoni revealed that they recognized Kagame’s talent that is likely to propel him into a future big music star due to his strong vocals.

“Moriah had stopped managing artists for years, but we saw Charles’s talent for singing, writing songs and his strong vocals are super. No doubt we will spice up his already established music skills to turn him into a big gospel music icon,” Musoni said.

The singer joined Moriah after dropping 3 songs that endeared him o gospel music enthusiasts both in Rwanda and Europe.

Speaking to journalists after signing the contract, Kagame said that he looks forward to working with a professional music house to help give his music direction.

“Am honored to work with professional music records that have molded my local gospel giants in  gospel arena,”

“I have no words to explain how happy I am to work with a legendary record label Moriah known for producing talented gospel stars. I have no doubt that my music will be uplifted to another level in the future because I know Moriah to be good at what they do or touch,” he said.

Despite being on the music scene for a short time, singer Kagame has managed to release 4 songs including ‘Ntuzibagirwe’, ‘Naragukunze’, ‘Tubagarure’ and plans to drop more songs under pipeline with Moriah records.

Moriah Records has been managing and producing gospel artists for more than 12 years and plans also to start recruiting fresh gospel affiliated artists.

Embattled Gospel singer Aline Gahongayire has granted permission to all bars and clubs to play her music as a way of preaching the word of God to many. Normally gospel songs are played in churches or other places of praise and worship, including scheduled concerts.

For Gahongayire, this has not been the case with her recent hit song Ndanyuzwe (I Appreciate) which has over 2million views on her youtube channel. The singer told KTRadio the weekend that her song has been rocking hearts of bar-goers and club revelers which impressed her to rethink ways of reaching many people through her songs.

“I have been receiving feedback of people in bars and dance halls celebrating my song- Ndanyuzwe whenever played in such places where one can least imagine,” Gahongayire said. From this turning point, Gahongayire stated that her wish is to have her songs played in bars and night clubs, which technically means a waiver to claims charges on abuse of intellectual property (IP).

The new IP law prohibits playing songs of artists in public places without seeking their permission or alternatively bend to paying a royalty charge that is used to support the art and music industry in Rwanda.

Gahongayire said the reason behind this kind of waiver is: “To reach out this category of people in bars who have been deprived of the Word of God, yet they also need to hear the gospel message, which can help them spiritually.”

Aline Gahongayire said that she is planning on attempting to perform in the bars and night clubs, but she is held back by the fear of being blemished by her church. In a related development, the gospel singer has also released a new song ‘Nzakomeza’ (I will go on) which she is currently promoting through media.

After spending years dropping out of the local film industry to deal with marriage issues and a hard divorce, Gahongayire also said she is planning her return to film acting and pursue professional music education to step-up her game on the international gospel scene.

It’s been quite a long since she last released a song but gospel ‘songbird’ Gaby Kamanzi, recently broke the silence when she released her new single, dubbed “Emmanuel,” a Christmas song. 

The track that has over 31,000 views and more than 1700 likes so far, on her YouTube channel since it was premiered on December 2020, has left her fans mesmerized. Some of them even remarked that the song has actually blessed them, while others appreciated the message behind the song. Others just kept encouraging her to keep on producing good music.

In an interview with the vocalist, the singer made it clear that “Emmanuel” is her comeback song because, since last year, her wish was to release a number of songs. However, her plan was a bit ruined as this year she was anticipating organizing a concert, and at least release three songs, but then Covid-19 ensued.

The songstress said that what inspired the writing of her new song, was to usher people to worship and praise Jesus, as she reflected on Matthew 1: 23 that says, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Kamanzi noted, “Now that we have God in our lives, there’s no need to worry, even if we encounter difficult glitches, or this pandemic, we have God with us, in us, surrounding us, which is why we ought to trust Him. Let’s welcome Him again to reign in our lives, this Christmas period.”

Before “Emmanuel”, the songster had last unveiled a song entitled, “Mu Mutima” with singer, Holy Keane, in February 2020. 

Unfortunately, she couldn’t promote the song as planned because shortly after it was released, Rwanda announced a total lockdown. Kamanzi is contemplating on releasing her second album next year, which the song “Emmanuel”, will be a part of. It will also include some of her already released songs like, “Arankunda”, “Nzahora Nshima”, “Ewe Mungu”, “Mu Mutima”, “Hejuru”, among others.

The songbird has also decided to use her YouTube channel to offer vocal training to anyone yearning to learn how to sing.  She has no doubt that by God’s grace, next year she will start organizing meetings with people physically to further her vocal lessons.

In July, Kamanzi started a 15-minute live worship encounter on her YouTube channel. She said, her pianist and her, flow in worship and prayer as the Holy Spirit guides them. So far, the public has embraced the worship session where they join in to worship the Lord together with her.

Celebrated gospel star Gabby Kamanzi drops a new song dubbed ‘Emmanuel’ to keep her fans hooked as they celebrate the end of year 2020.

The new song features on Gabby’s upcoming new album slated to be launched early 2021 and it sends out message of having faith in God despite the situation one is facing whether bad or good to always praise the almighty God.

The singer who is managed by Moriah Entertainment promised to drop more music before the launch of the new album and gave an insight about the new song ‘Emmanuel’.

“In this song I want to remind people that God is with them in every situation they might be facing and they should always have faith in him. Let’s all have trust in Jesus and give him all our burden because he is always with us,” says Gabby Kamanzi.

Gabby has been an active member of the gospel music community for the past nine years. She is considered one of the most popular female music star in the country with lots of awards under her belt.

She has been also a leader in church and through her gospel music, she has inspired the youth to be devoted to working for God rather than engaging in bad habits like abusing drugs.

The ‘Amahoro’ hit maker released her maiden album Ungirira Neza in 2013. She is known in the industry for her strong vocal ability and being a perfectionist when it comes to releasing an album hence being branded as a Queen of gospel music for years in the country.

She has also represented Rwanda in various gospel festivals across the region and abroad as well as teaming up with other gospel artists across the globe.

Gospel songstress Clementine Uwitonze famous on stage as Tonzi confessed that her daughter and husband choose for her what to put on every time she goes out of the house. Tonzi who is considered to be a pioneer of modern gospel music in the country disclosed the information live at KT Radio’s evening program Dunda show.

Tonzi is known for a sense of fashion when it comes to choosing perfect outfits whenever she hits the stage or makes appearances. 

“I have this daughter who is a stylist of the family and believe me, she is the one that dresses me up whenever I am going for a concert. My husband also has that thing of fashion and their combination makes me look fashionable whenever I move out of the house. I just love it,” says Tonzi. 

The singer appeared at the studios of KT Radio donning matching green pants and top as well as a matching pink necklace and bracelet. Tonzi had come to the studio to premiere her new song dubbed Ushimwe, carrying a message of thanking the Lord for giving life to whoever listens to the song.

Her debut singles such as Nzajya Ngusingiza, Humura, and Sijamuvako made her a household name as far as gospel music is concerned in the country. Having grown up in a Christian family, Tonzi credits her singing skills from the early choir and school performances that transformed her into a big gospel music star.

Born in Goma, DR Congo, the mother of two started her music journey at the tender age of 10, singing in the Adventist church choir. 

She is also an original member of “The sisters” girl band that included her, Gabby Kamanzi, Aline Gahongayire, and Fanny, the group she dropped to launch her own solo career. 

Tonzi then went ahead as a solo artist and released her maiden album ‘Humura’ in 2007, at Hotel Des Milles Collines. The album launch was fully attended, making her a queen of gospel music at the time. She has now more than 100 hit singles, seven albums, and a new upcoming album she is working on. 

The singing duo of Ben Serugo and Chance Mbanza are arguably some of the most admired gospel artists on the scene. The team’s composition skills make them stand out as the brains behind some of the biggest songs by gospel bands, Alarm Ministries and Joyous Melody, after their own.