Eleven gospel artists from across Africa joined forces on stage at the Praise Unlimited concert held at BK Arena in Kigali on Sunday, October 25, recording collaborative songs expected to be released in the coming days.
The concert brought together artists from Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Nigeria and Kenya, creating an opportunity for musicians from different countries to work together on gospel music projects.
Rwanda was represented by Israel Mbonyi, Ben & Chance, René & Tracy, and True Promises Ministries. Other performers included Joe Mettle and Grace Charles from Ghana, Lebo Sekgobela and OnceMore Six from South Africa, Bella Kombo from Tanzania, Emeka Songsz from Nigeria, and Evelyn Wanjiru from Kenya.
Several artists teamed up to record songs during the concert, with the performances captured in both audio and video for future release.
Israel Mbonyi collaborated with South Africa’s OnceMore Six, while Ben & Chance performed with Lebo Sekgobela. René & Tracy joined Ghanaian singer Joe Mettle, and Tanzania’s Bella Kombo teamed up with Kenya’s Evelyn Wanjiru.
Nigeria’s Emeka Songsz also collaborated with Ghanaian artist Grace Charles.
Beyond the joint recordings, the concert brought the musicians together for worship and praise. Pastor Juliene Kabanda delivered a sermon to the audience.
Building African gospel music
Praise Unlimited is linked to Halal Afrika, an initiative launched in Maryland, United States, in 2016 by members of the Onn family and other Africans seeking to promote African gospel music.
Halal Afrika held its first event in Baltimore, Maryland, in 2017, resulting in the album My Best Worship.
The initiative continued in Victoria, South Africa, in 2019 with a project titled The Moment. In 2022, it recorded Through It All in Pretoria, South Africa. The project was released in July 2023.
The Kigali concert continued the initiative’s approach of bringing gospel musicians from different African countries together through worship and collaborative music projects.
