Excitement as artistes re-unite at Ruth Wamuyu gospel show
Kenyan gospel artiste, Ruth Wamuyu performs at a fully packed CCF church in Lowell on Sunday where other gospel artists showed up for an action packed evening.Pic by H.Maina/AjabuAfrica
By Harrison Maina, Ajabu Africa News, Posted July 25, 2012
LOWELL, Mass.,_A gospel music show planned for popular visiting Kenyan musician, Ruth Wamuyu turned into a highly entertaining, power filled Praise and Worship event, thanks to a magical re-union of visiting Kenyan artists and radio presenters, with their Diaspora based compatriots in Boston.
The presence Wamuyu in Lowell was too much to resist both for hundreds of fans and 4 other visiting Kenyan gospel music stars that have been in town without the knowledge of most Kenyans in the region.
Fully packed, the event at the at the CCF church on Sunday night attracted more than more than 300 fans joined by the visiting artists who popped out of nowhere for the show and 5 other Diaspora based artists.
The event took on an enticing air of a happy, impromptu re-union between Kenyan based gospel artists and radio presenters with their compatriots who immigrated to America in search of “greener pastures.”
Among the visiting artists sharing the stage with Wamuyu was Rachel Njeri from London, Florence Mureithi and captain Njoroge wa-Njeri, a radio personality turned Gospel artist from Coro FM, a Kenyan Kikuyu language radio station.
Njoki Ndegwa, a former Kameme FM presenter who now lives in the Diaspora, was also present as part of the relatively new Diaspora based performers that included Esther “Queen Essy” Muthoni, Esther Mwangi and her husband, Gabriel Mwangi a.ka. “Mwangi wa Piano,” as well as Irene Gitau.
The unique re-union brought out the best of every performer as they took turns to perform, leaving the crowd ecstatic with joy.
It kicked off with a powerful curtain raiser performance by Esther “Queen Essy” Muthoni followed byEsther Mwangi.
Joanne Muthoni Njhia, a 12 year old aspiring gospel artiste and daughter to Pastor Githere from Lowell followed suit with a performance planned as a way for her to practice on her skills in the lucrative career.
Before diving into the highly awaited performance, Wamuyu, the main attraction of the night and who is also a pastor, told fans that Praise and Worship was always meant to bring the presence of God closer to the hearts of people.
“It does not matter what mountain is facing you today. Praise and Worship will break all the hardships you are going through, said the renowned singer cum pastor.
“The fire we are lighting through praise and worship today will chase away all the makes in your life,” she added.
Wamuyu then literally “brought the house down” with back to back performances of wildly popular ethnic Kikuyu language hits from her new and old albums including Kanitha wa Jesu, Tiga Niwe, Ndireka Mahiga and many more.
A long Mugithi (Jesus Train) procession snaked around the aisles of the huge church in a typical Kenyan style when Praise and Worship “catches real fire”.
“This is totally exciting. We have missed this kind of gospel music for a long time now. I am so happy,” said Rosemary Muroki as she waved a handkerchief in the air helicopter style following prompts to the crowd by Wamuyu.
To the surprise of the fans and the gospel artists present, a young gospel star Steve Njonjo, whose hit single “Chochote” (Anything) from his new album also titled “Chochote” is currently topping the charts in Kenyan radio stations popped out of the crowd and requested Wamuyu for a chance to perform “just one a song.”
Njonjo then proceeded with a powerful performance that drew loud cheers from the crowd.
Other than the music performances, the artists shared nuggets of jokes and advice on struggles and victories of life, much to the liking of the crowd.
Asking couples to tolerate each other in marriage, Rachel Njeri from London challenged men to take a leading role in making sure the environment in homes remained friendly.
“To the men who are here, even if you think your wife have no brains, thank God for her. Just remember, when you married her, she had brains,” quipped Njeri, sending the crowd roaring with laughter.
The highly attended event was organized by Rev. Joseph Waiyaki of the Faith Service Ministries under CCF church.
Prior to the evening show, pastor Wamuyu had attended a Sunday morning at the Grace International church in Lowell where she led a sermon before performing to the more than 150 Kenyans present.
Gospel musicians are considered celebrities in Kenya due the huge influence the command and the large sums of Kenya shillings they bring in from music sales.
Among those who attended the spectacular evening show included rev. Jeremiah Githere, Rev. Charles Kihiko and Bishop David Karaya.
The event ended last in the night with satisfied fans taking prized pictures with their favorite gospel singers.
