Christians and gospel music fans in Kigali are in for special spiritual uplifting performances in a one-day festival, dubbed Foundation of Praise Festival, at Christian Life Assembly, Nyarutarama on January 26. The festival, in its first edition, is organised by The Blessing Family in partnership with Himbaza Club to create a platform through, which gospel artiste can showcase their talent through cultural music and dance. The event is also aimed at promoting Christians in Rwanda, and nurturing aspiring musicians. The Blessing Family is a renowned multicultural gospel dance group that has graced stages at different local music festivals including, the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) held in Rwanda, and Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki Utamaduni Festival (JAMAFEST) among other, while Himbaza Club is a drumming club of 16 Burundian refugees, that represented Rwanda at last year’s East Africa’s Got Talent competition in Nairobi, Kenya. The day will feature performances from popular gospel music artistes and different other entertainment activities. Gael Karinamaryo, one of the coordinators of the festival, told The New Times, that they are committed to bring something unique in the creative industry through which new talents can be discovered: “We have been working together to organise the festival in the past ten months, so we can deliver to festival goers’ expectations. We want to show our audience the good vibes of gospel festival where cultural diversity meets worshiping through music and are so confident that fellow Christians will be excited by the festival.” Apart from the music performances, the festival will also showcase a variety of Rwandan traditional designs on the runaway. Courtesy. He said they have been working with the team from Mashirika Performing Arts, which is more experienced in contemporary dances, to ensure that the festival is well organised. “We know this is going to be the first gospel festival ever and the progress made in the preparations so far, plus the experience we have in festival coordination, give us confidence that the festival will be a total success before we think of turning into a regional event,” he added. The Blessing Family and Himbaza Club, which have been rehearsing for the past six months, will lead the lineup of a number of performers at the festival that include Aime Uwimana and Serge Iyamuremye. In addition, the event will also feature guest gospel dance group from Botswana. Entrance is Rwf2, 000 in the regular section, and Rwf5, 000 in the VIP wing.
