Family, friends pay tribute to the ‘King of Inanga’

FRIENDS and fans of the late Athanase Sentore celebrated his life and music on the weekend.His family also showed up to celebrate and remember their loved one at the tribute show held at Amahoro stadium – Igicumbi cy’umuco hall.The event was characterised by traditional dances, Rwandan poetry and speeches in memory of the ‘King of the Inanga’.Speaking to the crowd, Protais Mitali, the Minister of Sports and Culture, addressed the audience about Sentore, reminding everyone that they were all there to celebrate and honour the late singing sensation. “Sentore was a cultural mentor to many and for sure from all these performances, there is no doubt that Sentore still lives among the people he left,” said Mitali.Touched by the performances, the Minister promised to sponsor Sentore’s album as he had promised him before he died.Sentore died aged 80 in March this year from Fortis hospital in Mumbai, India.Also in attendance was the Vice President of the Senate Marie Mukantabana.In an interview with The New Times, Dr. Peter Stepan, the director Goethe-Institut, which organised the show, said: “The main aim of this concert is to express of love, and enormous respect that all those that believe that culture is the essence of life accord to the legendary singer.” “It clearly shows that Rwanda doesn’t need foreign commercial music industries. It can empower itself on the basis of Rwanda’s inherited culture,” added Dr. Stepan. Various artistes, including Sophie Nzayisenga, Gakondo group, Shanel, Mani Martin, Jules Sentore, Jean Paul Samputu and the deceased’s son Intore Masamba delivered great and touching performances. During the event, a short film by George Kamanayo was screened, with Sentore playing a traditional Rwandan instrument – “Inanga”. Popular comedian Atome also talked about his childhood with Sentore. With the audience still hyped up by the great live routines, Masamba, Muyango and Cyoya moved them with poems.“I’m glad that all these people came to pay tribute to my father,” said Masamba.“Most of us are walking in his footsteps and preserving what he taught us through music and dance.”

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Family, friends pay tribute to the ‘King of Inanga’