The concert had been slated to begin at 7pm but by 8pm, just a handful of people was at the venue.

At around 8:30pm, the highly anticipated Alpha Band with VIP show started. Alpha Rwirangira had dedicated the show at Kigali Serena Hotel to his fans.

Kate Gustave, the day’s MC introduced the first act — the Banqs, a group of three upcoming hip hop artistes, who delighted the audience with their songs such as Real up and Haricyo wakora.

Shortly after, TBB— an all-male group trio of Tino, Bob and Benja — took to the stage and set the audience on fire with their hits Iyizire and Yampaye Inka then officially unveiled their latest single Sinzigera nkusiga, an Afro-Zouk number which went well with the audience.

Remarkable performance

But as the night grew, despite the audience remaining low, wonderful live performances kicked in, to the delight of the small audience.

Jolis Peace, an Afro RnB artiste who tried his luck at TPF last year, owned the stage with his songs Angela, Mbobera, Bishobotse, and When I was your man. No doubt the singer got people on their feet.

Promising female singer Jody Phibi also got a chance to perform her singles Ndacyashidikanya, Ntera and Better than them ,while Burundian artiste and winner of Tusker Project Fame season 6, Hope Irakoze did justice to Happy song and Tabia Mbaya with his powerful, arresting voice.

He closed his performance with a rendition of John Legend’s All of me, which he sang as he played the keyboard, thrilling the then sizeable audience even more.

At about 10:45pm, the man of the night Alpha Rwirangira, clad in a navy blue suit, alongside his equally smart Alpha Band, took to the stage and took the audience by storm.

The TPF winner kicked off a two hour non-stop performance, which left the audience thrilled with songs which varied in language, from Kinyarwanda, to English and Kiswahili lyrics.

His performance and poise showed that Alpha has not only matured as a singer but has also mastered the art of doing live music, from song to song, whether it was Come to me, Mwami, Hakutamani or Mama — a song he dedicated to his mother, who was present.

Alpha then performed “Igishakamba,” a traditional Rwandan dance he dedicated to his home, the Eastern Province.

Alpha, who is currently pursuing his studies in the US, sang Michelle Williams’ Say Yes and Lucky Dube’s Remember Me, a song which made him stand out in TPF.

At this point, the audience had risen to its feet with some joining him on stage.

Low turnout

Even though he really gave his all, one could read disappointment in his face: An estimated 200 graced the concert in a tent which can host several times that number.

The show ended a few minutes to 1am, with Alpha reciting a closing prayer. Those who attended enjoyed the ambience and environment needed for one to start the weekend a musical mood.