Massive turn up at Tonzi’s album launch

With one of the most remarkable voices in modern music, renown gospel artiste Clementine Uwitonze, aka Tonzi, launched her third album; Izina Ryiza- (Good Name) to remind the world that God is above everything and is in control.

Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Tonzi (C) and her back-up vocalists take to the stage.

With one of the most remarkable voices in modern music, renown gospel artiste Clementine Uwitonze, aka Tonzi, launched her third album; Izina Ryiza- (Good Name) to remind the world that God is above everything and is in control.The show was held at Kigali Serena hotel on Sunday and it was graced by local and regional gospel musicians. Burundi’s Dudu, Judith Babirye from Uganda, the Voice Gospel from Tanzania and Apostle Muliri of Kenya excited the crowd that turned up.The concert was opened by Blessing Choir from Zion Temple, with a magnificent performance. Next was Dudu, as he is affectionately known, singing two of his songs; Uyumwaka ni mushasha” and "Narasezeranyi nti mana that kept the crowd on its feet.The Gospel rhythms became the highlight of the night, as Tonzi and her backup singers claimed the stage- displaying elegance and brought the show to its climax with great performances. With the show starting on time, Tonzi gave a lively and entertaining one hour performance before making way for other artistes to perform. The Humura star sent the audience of the young and adults into frenzy. With her stylish dress, cool hair and beautiful sound, Tonzi put up a spirited performance. One didn’t have to be a Christian to enjoy the concert.Babirye, whose music has blown audiences in Uganda and across East Africa, thrilled her Rwandan fans and left them longing for more. Donned in a glittering long grey dress, Babirye belted out various tracks including; Ejjyali emikwano kati balabe bange, Wanjagala tewafayo, Omusayi gwayesu, Yesu beranange and Maama tolina.The Voice Gospel also offered a great performance. Apart from the performances, people who attended Tonzi’s concert-album-launch enjoyed Pastor Mignonne’s preaching.Passion for spreading the word of God and the love for gospel music has inspired Tonzi and she hopes her songs will help people find God.Written by Tonzi and produced from Vision Producers in Kicukiro, Izina Ryiza is a fusion of R&B and Zouk.The singer, who has received massive acclaim for her music says: "Izina Ryiza is a tribute to the strength, joy and direction I receive everyday from my relationship with God. As my fans know, I’ve always performed gospel music because that is my music. I’m a Church person and I grew up singing in the Church.”"People will always be known for whatever they do best; when you engage in wrong or good activities, you will be known for that,” said Tonzi, as she thanked her fans before leaving the stage.The tracks from the album include: Uzahora Urimana, Uhimbazwe, Niwe Mahoro yacu, Tuvugirize yeszu imbundu and Akuna mungu kamawewe, a Swahili-Kinyarwanda remix, among others.Addressing an excited crowd, the Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali, commended Tonzi for her successful album launch and encouraged musicians to take up gospel music.