Gaël Faye, local artistes in Genocide anniversary collabo

Franco-Rwandan MC and rap artiste Gaël Faye is set to jet in the country on Saturday, to record a joint Genocide commemoration song with local musicians.

Thursday, April 03, 2014
Gau00ebl Faye jets in the country tomorrow for Kwibuka activities. (File)

Franco-Rwandan MC and rap artiste Gaël Faye is set to jet in the country on Saturday, to record a joint Genocide commemoration song with local musicians.

The song dubbed, Duhagaze Twemye, will be released on April 7, at the official launch of the 20th anniversary of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The song carries the message of unity and encourages Rwandans to support each other, especially during the mourning period.

The artistes who will feature in Faye’s Duhagaze Twemye song include Kamikazi, Mani Martin, Maria Yohana Mukankuranga, Jay Polly, Patrick Nyamitari and Diana Teta.

"Gaël Faye is expected to arrive in the country this Saturday and we shall start working on the song right away,” said Mani Martin.

"Faye was born and raised in the Burundian capital Bujumbura, and moved to Paris aged 13. He talks about this double culture and difficult transition in his debut album entitled, Pili pili sur un croissant au beurre.

The album, recorded from Paris and Bujumbura, draws heavily on Faye’s early years when he struggled to adapt to life in Paris. The album features a number of illustrious guest stars such as Tumi Molekane from South African hip-hop band Tumi and Angolan star Bonga, among others.

Faye spent two years working in London, but soon realised wearing a suit and tie and sitting in front of computer was not for him.

Determined to share some of his success with his native Africa, Faye returned to Kigali and Bujumbura in June, last year, where he performed at several concerts and held workshops with young people.