Traditional music lovers were treated to a mouth watering doze of folk music at Rosty-a Kimironko-based popular nightclub on Saturday night.

Legendary traditional music singers, under Gakondo Group, entertained revellers with the best of their hits. Alongside Massamba Intore, the group founder, the artistes stepped on the stage at midnight and showcased their incredible vocal skills as they belted out some of the best hit songs including Kanjogera, Mpinga Nzima, Ngwino, Agasaza and Mama shenge, among others. Despite the entrance fee being high, the night attracted a record number of revellers from all walks of life.

The night was spiced by Dejaay Fla as the audience screamed on top of their voices. The band put up an electric performance that left revellers yearning for more. In between the performances, the singers invited people onto the stage to dance and sing along.

The fun did not stop after Gakondo’s performance.  Chare Jazz band that consists of two female and four male entertainers, emerged on the stage and gave a three-hour performance.The band performed several songs such as Muntahirize iwacu, Wagiye He by Canco Hamisi, Yasa nirirenga by Bahaga and Amaso akunda by the late Jean-Christophe Matata.

The performances ended at 2am amidst cheers and chants from the delighted crowd.

According to John Habimana, the organiser of the show, the aim to bring the Gakondo group, was to keep Rwanda’s traditional music alive and to give a variety of music to their patrons.  

"Masamba is a well respected traditional artiste in the country and his music is liked by very many people, including those who don’t understand Kinyarwanda. I invited him together with his troupe to treat our patrons to our traditional music,” said Habimana.

"It’s high time we changed the mentality that people can’t dance or enjoy traditional music while in the club. That’s a wrong perception. We need to be proud of our own music, especially the Gakondo music and promote it even in the nightclubs. People prefer to have a variety of music selections...they actually enjoyed tonight’s performances,” Habimana told The New Times.

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