On Saturday, hundreds of gospel enthusiasts flocked University of Rwanda Huye Campus’ main auditorium for Burundian gospel artiste Dudu Niyukuri’s show. 

The show, dubbed ‘Huye Stand for Jesus’, was a success, if the number of attendants is anything to go by. The gospel icon became one of the few artistes in the history of both gospel and secular shows to fill up the campus’ main auditorium. The venue, which holds 1,000 people, was packed to capacity.

The show also featured big names in music production like Bill Gate Mulumba who played a bass guitar, producer Prince Ombeni who works with Solace Ministries and producer Didier Ntwari Kayihura, both of whom did vocals, and producer Emery Uwimana, among others.

The show started off with a prayer from Pastor Olivier Mazimpaka of Huye Zion Temple at exactly 7:40pm.

Mazimpaka started the show with prayer and scripture reading, which took close to 20 minutes.

The renowned gospel singer and music producer accompanied by his band and vocalists took to the stage at 8pm. Niyukuri received an energetic welcome; a standing ovation and cheering from the crowd.

Niyukuri started with a selection of praise and worship songs, many of which reflected on the values of Christians regarding Jesus’ resurrection. Throughout the show, Niyukuri sang and would take moments to preach.

The evening saw fans entertained by numerous rising stars including Columbus Uwayo, Precious Nina Mugwiza, who also performed her new song Nd’uwawe for the first time, and finally, UR-Huye-based gospel artiste Janvier Muhozawho, who performed with Niyukuri.

"I’m so excited about the performance; I’m also pleased about the turn up and how people praised, danced and worshiped the Lord and most importantly, the way some people gave their lives to Jesus Christ. I don’t know how to express this joy but to be honest; it’s my first time to hold such a show since I started doing music. It’s something I will always remember,” Niyukuri told The New Times after the show.

Asked why he decided to use upcoming artistes, the singer said that it’s part of helping them rise and become established gospel singers who will influence the lives of people.

The show ended around 11pm but people did not want to leave the venue, instead, they requested the singer to continue.

"I think it was clear that people enjoyed themselves because they refused to leave the venue. They requested that we continue but it was not really possible because we were so tired after performing live for many hours.

However, this means a lot to me,” Niyukuri added.

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