Sentore's concert cut short

Gakondo artiste Jules Sentore’s Indashikirwa album launch was closed by Police just as it picked up steam at the newly named Swiss International Villa Portofino Hotel, Nyarutarama, on Friday. “We are not happy, as artistes and concert goers; something needs to be done. We had permission to hold the show,” said a disappointed Sentore after the flopped show on Friday. “They (authorities) need to study the situation, Rwanda is the only place where we stage our shows, there’s nowhere else we can go to perform, let them do something for us, so we can earn from our profession and value it,” the artiste added. The short-lived concert involved a brief performance by Sentore, who was later joined by counterparts Bruce Melody and Christopher Muneza, who as friends of Sentore decided to join him as back-up singers. Sentore sang songs like Mara Inyota and Indashikirwa. Bruce Melody entertained revellers with Turaberanye before the trio teamed up to do Sentore and Diana Teta’s Umpe Akanya. And just when the trio, who are popular for their live performances, had the crowd excited, towards 10pm, the Police stepped in. According to Sentore this isn’t the first time such an incident has happened. But he has to continue with his music projects because fans will be disappointed. Last year, Sentore decried the low levels of air play for his type of music, however, 2016 looks like a good year. He is one of the front-runners in the modernised Gakondo genre, referred to as Gakondo-fusion and he has gained popularity with his songs like Kora Akazi and Ngera. “Gakondo is starting to be a popular genre. We have worked hard and have found a way to get ahead. It’s encouraging,” he says. Sentore during his performance at his album launch. (Stephen Kalimba) Sentore’s star is also shining brighter thanks to his performances during road shows of last year’s Primus Guma Guma Super Star competition. He was also picked for this year’s season. “I urge our fans to keep supporting us regardless of the hurdles,” he said. When contacted over the issue, The Police Spokesperson, ACP Celestin Twahirwa said police received many complaints from many people in the neighbourhood. “We asked the organizer to reduce on the volume, but he didn’t heed our advice so we had to stop it.” Twahirwa added that it was “unprofessional” on the side of the organizers that they “can’t control their volume.” “The authorization letter from the City of Kigali was well articulated,that the noise from the venue has to be restricted to the limits. We encourage entertainment in the city but it shouldn’t infringe on the freedom of others.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw

Entertainment

Sentore's concert cut short