The three Rwandan African Gospel Music Awards, (AGMA) flag bearers Alphonse Bahati, Gaby Irene Kamanzi and Patient Bizimana lost to Congolese solo artiste Denise Mwanakitata and Burundi’s group Redemption Voices in the category of "Central African Artiste of the Year”. 

The 4th edition of AGMA was held at the Great Hall of Queen Mary’s University, London, United Kingdom, over the weekend.

However, although Rwanda lost, the artistes were happy for having been nominated to represent the country amongst other Rwandan gospel artistes

"We were greatly humbled to have been nominated on a bigger platform which is not limited to just Rwanda,” Bahati said. "It has opened our eyes to the opportunities available for us and other artistes on the global stage.”

The artistes had earlier on also expressed gratitude for having been given the platform to meet and share contacts with different gospel musicians from across the world.

Other winners included Christina Shusho for Artiste of the Year East Africa, Funke Akinokun for Artiste of the Year Middle East, Sfiso Ncwane for Artiste of the Year Southern Africa, Isabella Uzodike for Artiste of the Year Europe and Brother Philemon for Artiste of the Year Middle Asia among others.

The annual African Gospel Music Awards were established in 2009 and serve as the face and voice for the African gospel and Christian music community worldwide.