On the evening of Sunday, December 22, 2024, Chorale de Kigali captivated its audience with a stunning performance at the 11th edition of its annual Christmas Carols Concert.
The event drew an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, First Lady Jeannette Kagame, Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister Maj. Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, Jean Claude Musabyimana, and various leaders from government and non-governmental institutions, alongside other distinguished attendees.
This Catholic choir centered its repertoire on songs carefully selected by its fans through a public request process initiated in January 2024.
With their signature energy and exceptional vocals, Chorale de Kigali opened the night with enchanting renditions of iconic Christmas classics such as “Carols of the Bells,” “Vierge Marie,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Alleluya Umukiza Yavutse,” and “Turakuramutsa Mubyeyi.”
Adding a youthful touch to the evening, Uruhongore, a choir composed of students from École Sainte Bernadette in Kamonyi and led by their music teacher and pianist Pacific Tunezerwe, entertained the audience with an eclectic setlist.
Their performance included spirited pieces such as “Il Est Né,” “Glorious,” “Courage to Change,” “Do Re Mi,” “Ca Duet,” “Kids’ Songs,” “Hooray,” “Feliz Navidad,” “Bye Bye Ingona,” and “Tago Mago.” This dynamic performance preceded the second session of Chorale de Kigali’s awe-inspiring showcase.
Uruhongore featured children aged 10 to 15 years, whose impressive stage presence earned them thunderous applause from the crowd.
Before the choir resumed, Jean Claude Hodari, the president of Chorale de Kigali, expressed his gratitude to the attendees, emphasizing their pivotal role in motivating the choir’s continued growth.
“This year, we are celebrating 58 years of our existence,” Hodari remarked. “Every year, we make significant strides forward. Your presence here today is an immense source of encouragement for us. As we mark this milestone, we are thrilled to share with you the 12th edition of this concert, which we believe surpasses last year’s in many ways. This event unites people in faith, and we hope it continues to do so for many more years.”
He added, “This concert is not exclusively ours—it is an inclusive celebration. We pour our hearts and energy into its preparation, and it is our joy to share it with you.”
The final segment of the night featured ten lively songs, prompting the audience to rise to their feet, dance, and revel in the festive spirit. The joyous atmosphere carried on until the concert concluded at 10:30 PM.
The evening ended on a spiritual note with a prayer led by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali. He extended warm Christmas and New Year’s greetings for 2025 to all attendees, commending the choir for their harmonious performances and their role in fostering unity through music.
Cardinal Kambanda also acknowledged the presence of First Lady Jeannette Kagame, highlighting the significance of family during the Christmas season and offering his heartfelt wishes to the presidential family.
Founded in 1966, Chorale de Kigali has hosted its annual Christmas Carols Concert since 2013. Over the past decade, the event has become a highly anticipated musical celebration for worshipers across Kigali. As one of Rwanda’s oldest Catholic choirs, Chorale de Kigali traces its origins to a group of 20 individuals, many of whom were graduates of seminary schools at the time.
