Riderman Christmas album launch attracts record crowd

In an era when album launches have become outdated and no longer attractive, rapper Emery Gatsinzi, commonly known as Riderman proved that he is still a force to reckon with as he launched his 7th album.

Monday, December 26, 2016
Riderman on stage performs some of his latest album tunes (Eddie Nsabimana)

In an era when album launches have become outdated and no longer attractive, rapper Emery Gatsinzi, commonly known as Riderman proved that he is still a force to reckon with as he launched his 7th album.

Riderman chose to stage a show to launch his album ‘Ukuri’ on Christmas as a gift to his fans ‘Ibisumizi’ and the move did pay off as hundreds of music lovers and supporters turned up at Petit Stade in Remera on Christmas evening.

The singer’s fans thronged the indoor stadium proving that the Primus Guma Guma Super Star (PGGSS) Season 3 winner is still very popular.

Supporters hold a banner with a list of Riderman's hits.

Clad in his trademark Hip Hop garb, the rapper controlled the audience’s mood with an ecstatic performance of several of the 30 songs appearing on his new album and the hits that made him a popular name over the years

Some of the songs include ‘Inzozi Mbi Zabo’, ‘GOOMS’, ‘Uwo ndi We’ and Wancitse Vuba which he did with Bruce Melodie among many others. His performance won the hearts of many. His wife Nadia Agasaro was in the audience cheering him on.

Supporters go wild during Riderman's performances (Eddie Nsabimana)

The launch coincided with the Riderman Fan Club ‘Ibisumizi’ celebrating their 5-year anniversary, cutting a cake which was shared with the audience. The fan club has been outstanding in supporting the rapper and engaging in social activities.

A big number of artistes were in attendance to support the ‘Holo’ rapper, and some including King James, Urban Boys, Christopher, Umutare Gaby, Fireman, Social Mula, Ama G the Black and Green P performed.

Green P on stage.

After the show, Riderman took time off to thank all his supporters and fellow artistes who showed up to support him and promised to do even better and provide more music beyond expectations in the coming years.

It was the rapper’s seventh album after Rutenderi (2008), ‘Impinduramatwara’ (2010), ‘Igicaniro’ (2011), ‘Kwibambura’ (2013), ‘Igikona’ (2014) and ‘Drame’(2015).

The show ended at midnight with fans jubilating over the success of the album launch. This year, most artistes who attempted to launch albums failed to attract people especially at the venue.

"We are delighted that the album launch went well. This goes to prove that people appreciate Riderman and what he does,” said Brian Natete, a member of Ibisumizi, who was also the co-host of the show.

Gaby Umutare on stage.
the rapper's beauty queen, Nadia Agasaro, was also in attendance to support her husband (Eddie Nsabimana)

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