Her wish was to perform before a larger audience to make the festive season celebrations worthwhile, but fast-rising traditional singer, Clarisse Karasira has announced that only 70 attendees will be allowed to attend her album launch slated for December 26 (Boxing Day) at Kigali Serena Hotel.

Dubbed ‘Inganzo y’Umutima’, the singer's debut album is a compilation of 18 culture-inspired songs, which have become popular among Rwandan music enthusiasts since the female artiste switched her career in journalism to music two years ago.

In October last year, Karasira told The New Times, that she would launch the album in July this year, through a music tour during which she expected to at least perform in each of the country’s provinces.  

The music tour, however, came to a halt after concerts, among other public gatherings, were temporarily banned to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

She announced the official dates for her debut album launch to journalists on Saturday, November 28, just hours after live performances and cultural shows, among other activities, were given a green light by the cabinet meeting held on Friday, November 27.

Her management team, however, emphasised that only 70 tickets are available on the market in order to meet the safety guidelines set to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We urge people to make early bookings for the concert because we will have few attendees to ensure the COVID-19 safety guidelines as agreed with the institution that gave us permission,” said Sylvain De Joie Ifashahayo, a member of Karasira’s management team.

For Karasira, the album sums up her musical journey so far, which she says has become more of a blessing than a challenge since she launched her career in 2018, adding that her quick rise in traditional music is inspired by the love people showed her music.

"This album means a lot to me and my career because people got to know who I am thanks to the songs that comprise this album,” she said

Rwf100,000 for an album?

To attend Karasira’s concert, people will be required to buy her album for Rwf100,000. The price, however, sparked mixed reactions among the public over whether the album is worth such an amount.

Karasira however explained that they set the price for people who have always wanted to support her music but clarified that, after the concert, the album will be distributed on the market at a reasonable price.

"The price was set because there are people who always wanted to support my music because they love it but couldn’t find a way. They can now support me by buying the album, but I assure anyone who loves my music that they will get it at a fair price after the concert,” she said.

Karasira’s concert will also feature other cultural musicians like Mani Martin, the only artiste featured on the album, Abdul Makanyaga, Intayoberana Cultural Troupe, Jules Sentore, and Kesho Band.