The Rwanda Rocks Music School on September 8, held a charity concert that was designed to raise money to enable the smooth running of the school’s programmes.  

Founded three years ago, and located in Kacyiru just close to the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the school is dedicated to helping children discover their talents and nurture their uniqueness.

Mary Fanaro, the founder of the school, speaking at a campaign event on Sunday evening, thanked participants for their support. "I want to thank all of you that have taken time to come and support this cause. I am really honored to have you here because I thought you wouldn’t come but here we are,’’ she said.

The event was held at the school’s premises and was attended by local celebrities, Arthur Nkusi, who hosted the show, Fatuma Muhoza, aka Nina from the music duo of Charly na Nina, and reggae artiste Raphael Mitali, also known as Natty Dread.

Burundian drummers kicked off the show with energetic traditional dance moves, and unique drumming skills that lasted for about 30 minutes, before a teacher from the school took to the stage to entertain the revelers.

Burundian drummers entertained revelers at the show. / Peter Nkurunziza

Shortly after her solo performance, she was joined by other teachers, who performed a traditional Kinyarwanda song, fused with modern instruments that included guitars and pianos.

No sooner had the teachers left the stage than the students of the school came to the stage to perform for the audience. Clad in blue branded t-shirts, and matching jeans, the students divided themselves and some went to the stage to sing whereas others went to the instruments, (drums, piano, and guitar) and had the audience mesmerized with their performance. 

An exceptional guitarist and very gifted singer, Hope Irakoze took to the stage and impressed the crowd with a fine guitar technique that left them wanting more. / James Peter Nkurunziza

They did Phil Collins’ ‘Another day in Paradise’, and the crowd chanted along. They later belted out two more songs before Hope Irakoze, winner of Tusker Project Fame Season 6, joined them and they performed together. 

The entrance fee was Rwf10,000, and all proceeds went to support the school, especially in meeting the salaries of the teachers.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com