Benjamin Mugisha, widely known as The Ben, has captivated fans across the globe with his powerful voice and emotive performances. However, during his recent concert, "The New Year Groove & Album Launch," held on January 1, 2025, at the BK Arena, The Ben revealed a side of himself that many had not seen before: a deep love for God.
This emotional journey not only showcased his spiritual growth but also marked a turning point in his career, as he announced his intentions to leave secular music behind and fully embrace Gospel music.
A Transformative Moment: The Ben’s Emotional Tears
For years, The Ben has been open about the emotional struggles he faces, especially in public. Known for his powerful performances and frequent tears of joy, his most recent concert, which also served as the launch for his new album Plenty Love, saw him break down in front of thousands of fans. During the concert, The Ben shared his gratitude for God’s guidance throughout his music career, recalling how his humble beginnings shaped his current success.
With tears streaming down his face, The Ben confessed to the crowd, "I had promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but it didn’t work. It’s been said that men don’t cry, but the truth is, we do. When you look at where you come from, and where you stand today, it’s hard not to be moved. I shouldn’t even be here, but by God’s grace, I am."
The emotional moment came after he performed his hit song "Ko Nahindutse," which reflects on a painful past relationship. The overwhelming emotion in the room and the presence of thousands of eyes on him were simply too much to bear, and as he sang, he began to cry—creating one of his most emotional performances to date.
His raw vulnerability resonated deeply with the audience, especially when he spoke about the power of support from his fans. "What you’ve done for me, I beg you, do the same for every artist in Rwanda. If we support our artists across the country like this, we will succeed," The Ben passionately said.
As he wiped away his tears, he added, "You’ve made us who we are. Thank you so much. But let’s take this as if it never happened."
The Ben’s New Path: Transitioning to Gospel Music
During the same concert, The Ben made an announcement that would forever change the trajectory of his career. The Rwandan star revealed that he intends to transition into Gospel music, following in the footsteps of artists like Meddy, who had already made the switch from secular to spiritual music.
The Ben shared, "I believe that God has a purpose for me, and I’m ready to fulfill that purpose. The time will come when I will perform for God alone, through Gospel music." His words were met with a thunderous applause, signaling the crowd’s acceptance and support for his new path.
“I’ve been singing about love and emotions, but now, I want to sing for God. I believe God has been using my music all along, but now I am dedicating everything I do to Him. I am ready to worship through my music and take this journey to where God wants me to go," he continued, hinting that his next concert might be focused on praising and worshipping God.
A Special Performance: Bruce Melodie’s Heartfelt Participation
Adding another layer of significance to the concert was the unexpected participation of Bruce Melodie, one of the biggest names in Rwandan music. Known for his secular music, Bruce Melodie surprised fans by dancing enthusiastically to The Ben’s Gospel-infused song "Thank You," a track that was created in collaboration with Dr. Tom Close, known for his Gospel music work.
Bruce Melodie, who had previously been seen as a rival in the Rwandan music scene, took to social media to share his admiration for The Ben’s transformation, calling him a "brother" and expressing his joy at being part of this historic moment. The two artists, who had once been considered adversaries, now stood united in their shared passion for music and spirituality.
During the concert, The Ben and Bruce Melodie together created a unique atmosphere, blending secular beats with spiritual messages. Bruce, a member of the ADEPR church and a devout Christian, even hinted at a future where he might focus more on Gospel music, as he acknowledged the impact of faith on his career.
A Call for Faith: The Ben’s Heartfelt Message to His Fans
In a powerful speech that left many in tears, The Ben took a moment to speak directly to the thousands in attendance. "I’m here to tell you all that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I may not have planned to speak these words, but today, I want you to know that accepting Jesus into your life is the best thing you can do. Don’t wait, receive Him now, and He will bless you beyond measure."
His impromptu sermon resonated deeply with the audience, who had come to enjoy a night of music but were unexpectedly touched by the artist’s shift in focus from secular fame to spiritual devotion. The Ben’s words were not just an announcement of his career change but a call to those in attendance to embrace faith and God’s love.
The Future of The Ben: A New Beginning in Gospel Music
As The Ben wipes away the last of his tears, he leaves the crowd with a profound message: "This year, 2025, will be a year of blessings, a year of God’s grace. And I know that as I step into this new chapter, with your support, I will find even greater purpose."
His transition into Gospel music signals a new era for The Ben, one where he can continue to inspire and touch hearts, not just through love songs, but through worship and spiritual messages. His journey reflects a deep, personal transformation—a reminder that music is not just about fame, but about the messages we choose to share with the world.
The Ben’s story is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact that music can have when it is used to praise and honor God. For his fans, this concert was not just a celebration of music, but a moment of spiritual awakening, as they watched a beloved artist take the courageous step of dedicating his music to a higher calling.