Athanase Sentore’s tribute concert tomorrow

FINAL preparations are under way for tomorrow’s concert at the Big Tent (Igicumbi cy’umuco hall), Amahoro Stadium in memory of the late Athanase Sentore.Various artistes including, Mighty Popo, Bijou Sentore, Jules Sentore, Shanel, Main Martin, Jean-Paul Samputu, Sophie Nzayisenga, as well as Samuel Kamanzi from Ikobe Group, and Gakonda Group will perform.The deceased’s son, Intore Masamba will also pay tribute to his father.Organisers admit preparations have been challenging but say the event is expected to be spectacular. Sentore died aged 80 in March this year from Fortis hospital in Mumbai, India. The concert is organised by Goethe-Institut, the German cultural institution operating in Rwanda.Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Peter Stepan, the director Goethe-Institut, said that the concert is in the memory of the‘King of Inanga’ Sentore.“The concert is entirely dedicated to the remembrance of the times and contribution of the great Inanga player, Athanase Sentore,” said Dr. Stepan.“We are glad to be part of such a great cause. Sentore was the custodian of tradition and this concert is meant to give those that learnt something from the rich treasure of Sentore to produce it through art, music, dance and poetry,” he added.Sentore was a successful cultural singer, composer and dancer. At the age of 8, he was recruited by King Rudahigwa’s cultural troupe in Nyanza where he studied and developed his music career.“My father was a university of cultural music to many, “said Masamba, “Till the time he died, there was still a lot he wanted to do.”“At the concert, we shall be remembering his good deeds. What he taught us. How he lived with us and most importantly how he preserved our culture as we were in Burundi,” added Masamba.The singer also thanked the artistes, who willingly offered to perform in memory of his father on Friday.Mighty Popo, who attended the press conference, said: “Sentore is not only my music father, but a cultural father as well.”“Language, art, poetry, dance and music was all maintained—thanks to Mzee Sentore and today, it is an honour to be part of this memorial of a great man that was bigger than life.” “He always asked me not to copy the way he sings but do what I want; as long as I don’t forget my roots and at the concert. We shall be doing exactly that,” vowed Mighty Popo.Jules Sentore, who attributes his ability to perform live music to lessons he learned from his father Sentore, said: “Unlike most local artistes today, who use a lot of auto tunes, our father taught us live music and the concert on Friday will be live.”Sentore was a trainer and advisor to the Rwandan National Ballet and brought home many international trophies for representing Rwandan culture in countries like Germany, Spain and Canada among others.

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Athanase Sentore’s tribute concert tomorrow