Shalom Choir has teamed up with renowned gospel singer Israel Mbonyi for the Shalom Gospel Festival set to take place at BK Arena on October 17. In an interview with Jean Luc Rukundo, a member of the choir, he expressed their desire to move beyond church-based ministry and find a larger venue in Kigali to spread the message of Jesus, particularly focusing on offering solace and peace, as stated in “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1. “This decision came in response to alarming reports of rising depression, stress, and divorce rates in the community. We want to raise our level and that is the reason why we decided to collaborate with Mbonyi and luckily he accepted our invitation, he said. The concert that will start at 12PM will be free to the public. The choir originally formed in 1986 by Sunday school children from ADEPR Nyarugenge, Kigali. Initially known as Umunezero Choir, they later adopted the name Shalom Choir. Comprising 140 members, Shalom Choir has undertaken ministry tours throughout Rwanda and neighboring countries such as DR Congo and Burundi. The choir boasts of an extensive discography with over six audio albums, including titles like Ijambo Nyamukuru, Ndashima Umwami Yesu, and Mungu wangu.