Christopher sets the bar high at first album launch

AT A time when most album launches are turning out to be unpopular among music lovers, Christopher’s biggest fear ahead of his Habona album unveiling was attracting enough people to fill up the Kigali Serena Hotel auditorium. Well, the RnB singer should have thought of a bigger venue. Even with the entry charges at Rwf5, 000 and Rwf10, 000 for ordinary and VIP sections respectively, Christopher’s fans turned up in hordes. By 8pm, one could not get a place to sit or stand. Those who could manage peeped through the door to catch a glimpse of the performances. If the turn up was anything to go buy, then Christopher proved his might as one of Rwanda’s most promising musicians. Credit should go to his producer Clement Ishimwe of Kina Music who has crafted the 19- year-old into one of the most adored musicians. It goes without saying that indeed Christopher merited his place in the last edition of Primus GumaGuma Superstar Music competition even though he didn’t make it far. Habona album launch was by all standards a success, in terms of the performances and time management. It was worth the money and time. The music was live from the word go and the concert began on time. 6.30pm was the time it was supposed to begin and 6:30 it was. Veteran singer, Abdoul Makanyaga’s band curtain-raised with a series of old classics. Makanyaga and his evergreen back-up singers know how to work the crowds and indeed they set the mood among the audience. When it clocked 7pm, there was no space inside the hall. Peace, also one of Rwanda’s promising singers, took over the stage, belting out some of his songs such as Mpobera. The slim and talented singer who last year tried his luck in the Tusker Project Fame was showed some love by his audience in appreciation of his soothing melodies. The MC of the night Lion Imanzi then introduced Dream Boys who immediately kicked off their performance with Urareaharyana, before Knowless Butera came on with Baramushaka and Follow you. Just about then, the man of night Christopher hit the stage clad in a shiny dark grey suit, starting off with Habona which is the cover for his first album. He performed Uwomunsi and Ndabyemeye and he was supported by the audience all through. He was joined by Peace on stage and the duo belted out several songs, including some classics by Makanyaga which have been redone by Kina Music. They both proved their vocal abilities. At some point Christopher was joined by St Augustin Choir and he also picked a child from the crowd who he carried through the performance, expressing his love for children. He then took a break during which Tom Close came on to perform his latest single Ibintubyarahindutse before Christopher returned for his second round of performance. In between, a Salsa dancing couple mesmerised the audience with impressive dance moves. Christopher did a few old songs by Jean Paul Samputu and Kidum before making his remarks. The singer introduced his parents who allowed him juggle music and academics. He then took time to thank his producer Clement who he met in 2009 when he was 15. He said Clement has been his mentor and producer. Christopher then invited his Kina Music colleagues who joined him on the stage. It was clearly a Kina Music Affair as they all performed the Rubanda and NshatseInshuti remixes. At 10pm, Christopher thanked those who turned up and in the end it was a very successful launch of his first album, introducing himself as a force to reckon with in the music industry.

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Christopher sets the bar high at first album launch