SINA Gérard Sponsors Rwandan Gospel Music Awards
By Moses Murwanashyaka
Rwandan tycoon SINA Gérard sponsored the first edition of the Rwandan Gospel music awards dubbed Sion Awards launched on November, 2021 at MHotel in the heart of the capital, Kigali. It is common knowledge in Rwanda and East African region that SINA Gérard has turned around Agribusiness sector, but a few identify him as a philanthropist much as the millionaire based in the Northern Province of Rwanda has a superb record in the domestic charity industry.
This is the very reason why SINA Gérard’s donation was treated as big news when Christian Communications Ltd, the organizers of the Sion Awards revealed that the Nyirangama businessman is one of the key sponsors of the awards where Rwandan gospel singers are winning big. SINA Gérard is the Founder and MD of SINA Gérard Urwibutso Entreprise.
Urwego Bank, Rwanda Gospel Music Union, New Melodies Industries Ltd and Gumaho Shop are some of the sponsors.
SINA will decorate the best male artiste of the year. The winner of this category will take home a jackpot of Rwf500, 000, a trophy, certificate and given support in production of two videos.
It is a principle of SINA Gérard Urwibutso Etreprise to give back to communities through acts of charity that help them improve their livelihoods. Besides, sponsoring Rwandan music industry, every year SINA sponsors motor rallies and football tournaments among others.
Sion Awards aim at recognizing, appreciating and supporting the gospel artistes and choirs across the country for using their talents to lead communities in praise and worship of God, said officials from organising committee during a sideline presser at the launch.
“The gospel singers and Choirs invest ample time and resources to produce songs that help to lead thousands in praise and worship, but it’s unfortunate they don’t get the recognition and support they deserve,” observed Nicodemus Nzahoyankuye, the Manager of Christian Communications Ltd and Chairman of the Organising Committee of Sion Awards.
“This Award doesn’t mean to create any sort of competition among gospel artistes but they denote `our contribution to the music industry and regarded as incentives,” he added.
Applications are now invited from exclusively Christians irrespective of their religious affiliations and a panel of judges will be guided by criteria. The organizing committee considered a period from 2019 to the day, but it emphasizes that this Award will be annual.
The Sion Awards have considered the plight of upcountry gospel singers and Choirs along hip hop gospel music a departure from the history of Gospel in Rwanda.
In addition, Nzahoyankuye underlined that the Special Recognition Awards awaits notable gospel singers.
The first edition is scheduled January9, 2022 while nominations on December, 2021.
Fan vote contributes 40% while judges award 60%, Nzahoyankuye revealed.
Sion Awards increases list of Awards for gospel artistes. Previously the Groove Awards, SIFA Rewards and Rwanda Gospel Stars Live recognised Rwandan artistes.