Rwanda’s music scene has, over the years, seen a pool of emerging talents, some of which are only doing music part time.
For them, whether they find themselves on stage, or doing music as a hobby, their creativity knows no bounds, proving that one can indeed have it all.
ALSO READ: Tom Close talks art, music and social causes
The New Times, looks at some of these celebrated individuals.
R&B singer-songwriter Tom Close
Tom Close, real name Thomas Muyombo is a professional medical practitioner, and the head of Blood Transfusion Service at Rwanda Biomedical Medical (RBC). He is also an artist/illustrator, filmmaker, and author of children’s books.
The 36-year-old physician is considered one of the pioneers of modern Rwandan music, having started his music career in 2005, and making his music breakthrough in 2007. The afro R&B singer has remained true to the call, continuing to produce music, with latest album dubbed ‘Essence’, despite his fulltime job as a doctor.
His oher singles include ‘Igikomere’, ‘Mbwira yego’, ‘Iyo Nakunze’, ‘My Love’, ‘Naba Umuyonga’, ‘Ngwino’ and many others.
Alain Mukuralinda
Alain Mukuralinda serves as the Deputy Government Spokesperson.
His music journey began in the Sunday school choir of St. Michel in Kigali however, his talent flourished through participation in school music competitions, miming songs of international popular singers and leading songs in clubs like Red Cross and Scouts before recording his own songs.
From the age of four, Alain Muku, his stage name, embraced music, turning professional in 1990 with Galaxy Band. He also supports Rwandan artists’ rights and fights against piracy, drawing inspiration from bands like ‘Impara’ and legendary figures like Bob Marley and Michael Jackson.
Mukuralinda, a prosecutor by profession, creates music as a hobby and passion. His notable songs include ‘United Africa’, ‘Tsinda batsinde’, ‘Tona tona’, ‘Akana ko mujisho’, ‘Murekatete’, ‘Museke weya’ ‘Birakomeye’, ‘Ijoro rituje’, and more.
Lawmaker Francoise Uwumukiza
Francoise Uwumukiza, a Member of Parliament representing Rwanda in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Uwumukiza, an elected member of the 5th Assembly (2022-2027) and one of nine Rwandan representatives in EALA. Her songs cover topics such as gender balance, religious celebrations, harmony, government policies, and more. She began recording her songs in May 2020.
Uwumukiza has other songs like ‘Happy New Year,’ ‘Merry Christmas,’ ‘Turibuka abazize jenoside,’ ‘Inshuti yo mu bwana,’ ‘Ibuka ntute igiti,’ ‘Yezu ndakwizera,’ ‘Intore y’Imana iratashye,’ ‘Inshuti nziza (dedicated to H.E President Paul Kagame),’ ‘Nzakorera u Rwanda,’ and more.
Lt. Col. Simon Kabera
Kabera, the Rwanda Defence Forces Deputy Spokesperson was on June 8, 2023, appointed as deputy military spokesperson. He is a born again christian and renowned gospel singer credited for recording and releasing songs that have had a spiritual impact many people.
Some of his songs include ‘Ukwiye Amashimwe’, ‘Mfashe Inaga’, ‘Hari Inshuti’, ‘What a friend we have in heaven’, ‘Yanyishuriye’, and ‘Munsi Yawo’ among others.
Ziggy-55
A former member of the music trio, The Brothers, Fikiri Nshimiyimana, also known as Ziggy 55, is a music artist and works at Rwanda Revenue Authority. He is a versatile artiste but mostly does reggae music.
After the singer departed from The Brothers, he embarked on a solo music career, and has produced numerous successful singles such as ‘Cherie na Nga’, ‘Mon Amour’, ‘Byangora’, ‘A l’aise’, ‘Uwanjye’ featuring his former group member Danny Vumbi, and more.