Masamba Intore is renowned traditional singer, a flair he started at just the age of 16. It is a family brand in a way, since it descends from a long line of ballet masters at the royal court.

The professional singer, choreographer, producer, song writer and actor is one of the guardians of Rwanda’s musical world heritage and is mostly famous for his songs that praise the Rwandan tradition and culture.

The 47-year-old talked to Sunday Magazine’s Sharon Kantengwa on his thoughts about traditional music in Rwanda.

Why focus on Gakondo music alone?

I did not choose Gakondo music, I have it in my blood, and I inherited it from my father Sentore who was an artist at the royal court, who also inherited it from his father Munzenze. I only carried on the legacy of the family, which I am so proud of.

From your experience, how has it been like performing traditional music abroad?

In all my concerts, including festivals in Africa, Europe and the United States, everyone discovers the rich identity that comes with traditional musical variation. However, most of the time, I perform traditional-modern music by incorporating different African sounds. The sounds will be pleasant to the ear of the non Rwandan who does not understand the language without having to deflect the message. People then in spite of nationality continue to love our music all through.

Many people especially the youth seem to be shying away from this kind of music. What do you think should be done to promote it?

The promotion of our music remains a difficult problem, because the politics around it is not established. That however, does not prevent it from being conveyed to the world via our works and participation in festivals or concerts. We need to save the music of our ancestors and I believe that we are in the right direction

Which Rwandan musician inspires you?

My father Sentore. It’s from his passion for Gakondo music that I got the inspiration to follow the same path.

What do you think of the Rwandan music at the moment?

Rwandan music is doing wonderfully, but it still has a lot to do in terms of its promotion. The media plays a vital role in terms of promoting our local talent and it should be in position to support us.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m doing different things at the moment with the Gakondo group, in due my fans and Gakondo music lovers will know what we have been working on.

Parting words

I am grateful to all my fans. They have always supported me even in the difficult times. I can only assure them that they I have a lot for them in store and the future for Gakondo music is bright.