Knowles steals the show as she launches debut album

Local music diva Knowles launched her maiden musical album over the weekend. The album “Komeza” was first launched in Rubavu District during the Jungle Party at Kivu Serena Hotel on Saturday and on Sunday, all roads led to Amahoro Stadium’s parking lot in Kigali for her much awaited album launch concert. Local artistes, as well as, music icons from Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria performed in front of thousands of Rwandans who had thronged the venue. Queen of the show, Knowles, thrilled fans with several tracks from her self-titled album, including “Ibidashoboka”, “Inshuti” and “Byarakomeye” before closing the show with her popular hits “Byemere” featuring Uganda’s Vampino, and “Rukuruzi” along with local musician Kamichi, who also launched his album recently. The 20-year-old singer, real name Jane Ingabire Butera, is a prolific vocalist, songwriter and a dashing entertainer. “I am so grateful for the successful album launch and thank all my fans and sponsors for making it happen,” Knowles told The New Times. The launch was made possible by Showtime, Mutzig, Kivu Serena Hotel and Banque Populaire, Her maiden album is currently available for purchase at all major music outlets countrywide. Kenya’s Madtraxx belted out a number of tracks, including “Boda Boda”, “Skamaress” and “Get Down”, as fans danced along hysterically. “It was a great pleasure to perform in Rwanda and we received a great reception from our Rwandan fans,” Porgie, Madtraxx’s manager said. “…we are planning to do collaborations with artistes from here, and have already identified some such as Kitoko, Riderman and Flex.” Uganda’s leading female R&B songbird Jackie Chandiru, a.k.a Jackie, gave her fans an early Christmas present. The ‘Gold Digger” star emerged on stage clad in a glamorous yellow getup and delivered a smashing show. Her natural voice and belly dance movements, complemented by her backup dancers, earned her a nod from the fans. The Bracket from Nigeria did not disappoint too. The duo of Nwachukwu Ozioko, a.k.a Vast and Ali Obumneme, a.k.a Smash gave energetic renditions of their tracks such as “Mueh mueh”, “New Tym” and their famous “Yori yori” track, which means “sweetness” in the Igbo language. Other artistes who performed include Vampino, Kamichi, Kitoko, Danny, King James and Riderman. mbabazilinda@gmail.com

Leisure

Knowles steals the show as she launches debut album