He came, he performed, he conquered. That simply sums up Burundian singer Jean Pierre Nimbona’s 30-year music career.

Commonly known by his stage name Kidum Kibido or simply Kidum, the 40-year-old is one of the few East African musicians who can confidently organise a concert in any of the five East African Community partner states and sell out.

That is what can be said about his latest concert in Kigali, on Friday, which aimed at celebrating his 30 years in music as well as his 40th birthday.

The Burundian singer pulled off one of the concerts of the year in Kigali, at Kigali Serena Hotel, proving why he remains a force to reckon with, at least in the East African region, as far as the music industry is concerned.

As usual, the Kenya-based artiste, who says he considers Rwanda his second home, did not struggle to impress his audience as he naturally does often.

A bevy of Rwandan artistes, upcoming and established, were there to support him, including new-kid-on-the-block Gaby Umutare, Peace, Bac T, the female duo of Charly and Nina as well as Social Mula, who started off the show.

Tusker Project Fame 6 winner Hope also joined in to support his compatriot on his special day by performing a number of songs, including a rendition of John Legend’s ‘All of me’.

Hope, yet to have a major music breakthrough since his TPF win, proved he still has the talent that got him places, singing and at the same time taking turns on different musical instruments, including the keyboard and guitar.

Soon it was Mani Martin’s turn to wow the crowd with his usual electrifying performances of his songs, including his latest ‘Akagezi ka Mushoroza’ and old ones such as ‘My destiny’.

With the help of his band, Kesho, Mani Martin put up one of the performances of the evening, prompting the audience to go on their feet to dance along. He was also the one to sing a birthday song for Kidum.

Kidum prayed and then cut his birthday cake before he kicked off his mesmerising performance.

The ‘Mapenzi’ singer hit the stage at 10p.m and did not stop singing until 1a.m – three hours of exciting live performance of dozens of songs which left the audience demanding for more.

Kidum also took turns on the instruments, playing the drums for the other singers who performed on the night, including Christopher.

Later he invited Big Brother ex-hotshot Frankie ‘Joe’ Rukundo to perform their duet ‘Kipendaroho’ to the delight of the crowd.

Kidum invited on stage several Rwandan artistes he nurtured including Tonzi, Tom Close and Dr Claude, and his compatriot Yoya, and presented them to the audience.

But as they say, all good things must come to an end. After 1a.m it was time to draw the curtain on a wonderful musical evening, even as the audience clearly yearned for more.

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