“Urukundo rw’Imana” carries a message about God’s love for humanity. In the song, Shalom Choir sings, “Sinkirata ikindi keretse umusaraba...” meaning, “I boast in nothing except the cross.” The cross is presented as a powerful symbol of God’s love and the salvation of humanity.
Before releasing the song on various music platforms, Shalom Choir chose to put its message into action by visiting patients at Nyamata Hospital in Bugesera District. During the visit, the choir shared love and compassion through various gifts and essential forms of support.
The initiative focused particularly on expectant mothers and newborn babies, with the aim of supporting efforts to prevent and reduce infections that patients may be exposed to while receiving medical care. The activities were carried out in line with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures used in healthcare facilities.
Shalom Choir also paid medical bills for 13 patients who were unable to afford their treatment and provided Mutuelle de Santé health insurance coverage to some people who faced difficulties accessing healthcare services.
The initiative touched the hearts of patients, hospital leaders and other participants, as the choir’s message of love went beyond music and was demonstrated through tangible acts of kindness.
Shalom Choir President, Roger Clement said the group was grateful for the opportunity to visit the patients and share the message of their new song through action.
“We are grateful for this day. We often preach through our songs, but there is nothing better than putting those messages into action whenever we have the opportunity. We felt that simply sharing this song with people was not enough, which is why we were happy to share its message with the patients in a language they could better understand.”
Roger Clement added that the initiative was also dedicated to everyone who will listen to the song, encouraging them to understand its message as a call to love others and demonstrate that love through practical actions.
He also thanked Shalom Choir’s fans for their continued support and for embracing the choir’s music, as well as for the advice and cooperation they continue to offer.
“To Rwandans and everyone who understands Kinyarwanda, we wish for this song to bless and inspire you. But we also encourage each of you to find at least one person with whom you can share God’s love through your actions.”
Shalom Choir is based at ADEPR Nyarugenge Church and draws inspiration from the Word of God in Psalm 59:17, which says: “But I will sing of your strength; in the morning I will sing of your love. For you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
The choir was founded in 1986, initially as a children’s choir. At the time, ADEPR Nyarugenge had one main choir known as Hoziyana. The founding members of Shalom were between the ages of 15 and 17.
The group later evolved into a youth choir. Around the same period, another choir known as Cyahafi, now called Baraka, was established in Gakinjiro, becoming the second choir in the area.
In 1990, the church officially allowed the group to adopt the name Shalom, after it had previously been known as Korali Umunezero, a name it had carried during its early years as a children’s choir.
After adopting the name Shalom, the choir continued to grow in its ministry and recorded an album before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. However, the album was never released because the members felt it did not yet meet the artistic standards they had set for themselves. Nevertheless, the experience helped them develop their skills and motivated them to improve the quality of their music.
The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi had a profound impact on Shalom Choir, as it did on Rwanda as a whole. Despite going through such difficult circumstances, the choir continued rebuilding and pursuing its ministry, refusing to allow the devastating period to bring an end to its calling.
After the genocide, the choir recorded another album, but again decided not to release it because they felt it had not reached the level of quality they wanted. Despite not releasing either album, Shalom Choir produced numerous songs that reached its audience and continued to communicate messages from the Word of God.
Among its well-known songs are “Nzirata Umusaraba,” “Nyabihanga,” “Abami n’Abategetsi,” “Uravuga Bikaba,” “Umuntu w’imbere,” “Mfite Ibyiringiro,” “Ijambo Rirarema,” “Icyizere,” and “Nduhiwe.”
Over the years, Shalom Choir has also performed at major events and venues in Rwanda and abroad, including Kigali Serena Hotel, Camp Kigali, Kigali Convention Centre, and BK Arena, where the choir shared the stage with Israel Mbonyi in 2023.
Through its new song “Urukundo rw’Imana” and its recent outreach to patients at Nyamata Hospital, Shalom Choir continues to emphasize a message that goes beyond singing: that God’s love should not only be proclaimed, but also demonstrated through acts of compassion and service.
Shalom Choir Releases “Urukundo rw’Imana” After Visiting Patients at Nyamata Hospital
WATCH "URUKUNDO RW'IMANA" BY SHALOM CHOIR