American gospel artist Don Moen
From the time Don Moen was in Uganda almost five years back, a lot has changed both on the mainstream and gospel music scene.
For instance, in 2014, inspirational music from churches was almost limited to places of worship and Christian media houses, yet as he comes back for the Kampala Praise Fest slated for February 8, much has changed.
Today, there has been a general acceptance of music praising the lord that at times, songs like Levixone’s Turn The Replay have not only crossed over to the mainstream but have seen the artiste host one of the most successful concerts in a space some mainstream colleagues only dream of.
It is no surprise that on Tuesday morning, while introducing the Ugandan cast for the Kampala Praise Fest, Isaac Ruuci referred to him as the most relevant gospel music artiste of the time.
Levixone will be joined by vocalist Sandra Suubi, Watoto Choir, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, Brian Lubega, Ctrl.AD, DJ Twonjex and Exodus.
According to Rucci, the reason they chose to have Don Moen perform was to kick start a year on a positive note but as well as kick starting Kampala Praise Fest in a way that can be remembered.
“This is going to be a calendar event and with Don Moen we are kick starting it in a better way possible,” he said while addressing journalists at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya.
He says that for over ten years, they have been trying to have an event that gives gospel artistes a chance to express and showcase. He believes this was going to be a perfect platform.
Known for songs like Nsiimye and Togwamu Suubi, Suubi noted that it was an honor to be on the same stage with the amazing Ugandan artistes that were selected and always proud to spread the message of the lord through song.
Bugembe has been in the news for his contribution on the now infamous Tuliyamba Engule song that has been attacked by church leaders for appropriating the gospel for political benefits. He noted that he wants people to judge him for his part on the song not what others said.
The Don Moen show according to Rucci will be the beginning of a gospel music revolution as they are planning for a contemporary edition come 2020.
Born on June 29 1950, Donald James Moen is an American singer, songwriter and producer of worship music with a catalogue of eleven volumes of Hosanna Music series, Worship with Don Moen, Give Thanks and Bless the Lord among others.
Much as he is a renowned worship artiste, Rucci notes the Kampala Praise Fest will be welcoming all music genres.
