Daniel Ngarukiye drops new single

Traditional music lovers will have a field day when they listen to Daniel Ngarukiye’s latest song called “Rubanguzankwaya”.

Thursday, January 29, 2015
Dan Ngarukiye and Ibrahim Tam Fum, (L), are members of Gakondo group.(Courtesy)

Traditional music lovers will have a field day when they listen to Daniel Ngarukiye’s latest song called "Rubanguzankwaya”. 

The track was produced by Emmanuel Niyonsaba, aka Bob, at Pro Records in Kigali and released on January 26.

"My new song talks about the traditional Rwandan marriage, which I encourage people to embrace,” Ngarukiye said.

If you have been listening to traditional Rwandan music for the past few months, you have probably heard of Ngarukiye, whose hit songs like "Ikibungenge” are among the most played traditional songs on local radio stations.

"Rubanguzankwaya” features beautiful inanga (zither) beats and was spiced up by Ibrahim Tam Fum’s beautiful guitar rhythms. The song will be on Ngarukiye’s new album that will be released in May this year.

The 25-year-old cites some of the country’s most prominent musical legends Athanase Sentore and Rujindire among the people who geared him towards this style of music.

He was introduced to traditional music early in life and became interested in the genre after performing at various traditional events.

Ngarukiye has released a number of lyrical songs that include, "Gira amata”, "Ikibungenge”, "Rubanguzankwaya” and "Iwacu muraho”.

Using a traditional musical instrument inanga, Ngarukiye performs live and by the look of things, he is on track. His effort to promote traditional Rwandan music has paid off.

He is a member of Gakondo, led by renowned traditional musician Intore Masamba.