RENOWNED GOSPEL SENSATION Aline Gahongayire started her music career in 2000 at Zion Temple but decided to embark on a solo career in 2008 and has not looked back since. As she marks a 22 years long journey in music, Aline will bless gospel music lovers with an eight-track album and a bonus track. The album is expected to drop before the year ends. However its title has not yet been revealed and will be made of both singles and collabos that are still a surprise, says the singer. The singer will soon release the first song on the album dubbed ‘Amen’. The gospel music icon over the years has not just been making music; she has also been part of different projects to help women and the needy. She is the founder of Ndineza organization that promotes welfare activities to help the society. Aline Gahongayire had a chat with The New Times about her music journey and new album. How can you describe your journey? I thank God that I am still standing after 22-years in the gospel music scene as a woman. No matter what challenges came my way, I faced them and God was with me through it all. I learnt a lesson from this journey that can help other girls or women, which is to not fear to do what you believe in and instead fight for it. I faced a lot as a woman in the spotlight with a lot of criticism but I fought for my passion. It wasn’t easy I almost gave up but that’s when God gifted me a song called ‘Ndanyuzwe’ which lifted me up and made me realise that I have to live life the way it is but mostly not give up on what I had built all these years. My journey was chocolate! What inspired your seventh album? I want my music to help people and be a blessing to them. This album consists of songs that are, from the deepest of my heart, thanking God and will help people to praise God. With this album I will celebrate my 22-years anniversary in music and thanking God for all that I have achieved in these years. God gave me this wonderful platform to give back to the community and through my music different people were dressed, school fees were paid, hearts well healed and so on. I hope to bring joy and God close to people with this album. Will you stage a concert to mark the celebration? I plan on celebrating this milestone with a charity concert but in series if I may say, there will be big concerts, corporate concerts but of course all in line with my mission of helping because it is part of who I am. What are the highlights of your career? Having started music in a choir shaped me in form of discipline and that helped me a lot when I decided to do a solo career. Leaving the choir was challenging in terms serving many people and doing music solo. The greatest highlight was the success of my first album and the support I got from people who loved my music. What other plans do you have for your music career? Even though I am launching my seventh album I feel like I am just getting started because my prayer and vision is to connect not just locally but also internationally, to raise God’s glory and of course my country’s flag wherever I go to as a musician. So, this is just the beginning for Aline Gahongayire.
