Gospel Music: Watch out for UK-based Jackie Mugabo

Renowned UK-based Rwandan gospel singer and producer Jackie Mugabo is set to unveil her sophomore full-length album, Oh, Mana We, at the Sports View Hotel in Kigali on Sunday, August 25. 

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Renowned UK-based Rwandan gospel singer and producer Jackie Mugabo is set to unveil her sophomore full-length album, Oh, Mana We, at the Sports View Hotel in Kigali on Sunday, August 25. 

According to the singer, also queued up to perform at the show are some of Rwanda’s top-notch gospel artistes, including Patent Bizimana, Liliane Kabaganza, Dominique Nic and Gabby Kamanzi among others. 

Over to Mugabo: "I love my country and it’s a refreshing feeling to be home. I spread the gospel of peace, compassion and love through my music. The world is dirty but if each one of us can take a broom and sweep a corner, then we all can have a clean world devoid of wars, hatred and all negative things that affect us as children of God,” she told the Sunday Times on Thursday.

Mugabo has two gospel albums under her belt so far. Her debut offering, Mfite Umukunzi, spawned hits like Umwami Yesu and Akira Mwami (I Have a Friend). Already popular off her second album are tracks like Sinsonga and Yesu Ndiye Kimbilio Rangu. 

Mugabo says that she started singing at the age of 12 in church choirs in Uganda where she was born before relocating to the UK, from where she studied acting and music at Citt Litt College. She says: "Music has been my passion since I was young. I thank God for giving me a talent to make a difference in the world.”

The singer has had two successful performances in Kigali before. The first one was in 2011 when she performed at a concert to help some of those living in grass-thatched houses construct better houses. Last year she performed at the Gatagara Home for disabled children to raise funds for the abode.