A remarkable cultural renaissance is taking place, reshaping the Rwanda’s narrative through vibrant expressions of art, music, and fashion.
With a young generation born after the Genocide being the driving force behind, their movement not only honors the memory of those lost but also paves the way for healing and reconciliation.
At the forefront of this renaissance are visionary artists, musicians, and designers mainly rapper Bushali, Singer and designer Kaya Byinshi, actor and film director Dorcy Rugamba, whose works embodies resilience and hope.
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In a special program on France 24 called "arts24” journalist Eve Jackson spoke with various artists, including the ones mentioned above, about their inspirations behind their works. They discussed how they are striving to rewrite Rwanda’s history after 30 years of grappling with the effects of the Genocide.
Rapper Bushali, real name Jean Paul Hagenimana, rose to fame in 2019, despite joining the industry back in 2013.
The ‘Nituebue’ hitmaker is a mastermind behind a new wave of popular rap music among youth dubbed ‘Kinyatrap’, a subgenre musical rap for people who talk about their everyday lives.
According to the rapper, young people love Kinyatrap because they see themselves in it.
" It’s music with meaning. I sing for underprivileged people, and they can identify them with me. I am like them; I am young too.”
Regarding his music flair and story behind his lyrics, the Kinyatrap guru said "you cannot sing for a vulnerable individual who hasn’t had lunch or dinner, and sing about beautiful and naked girls, it won’t help them. My goal is to take away people’s loneliness and sadness which has overwhelmed them and to make them happy.”
Vocalist Kaya Byinshii said "I feel inspired by the energy I see in the country. People wake up everyday and their goals is to live and be better than they were. I believe that we [Rwandans] have the spirit where we know the worst and if anything, it has to be the best.”
The ‘5AM’ singer has been participating in several commemoration projects and in particular her song ‘The colour of blood’ revolves around unity and condemns inhumanity in line with what happened in Rwanda’s past – Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.
Kaya is a unifying force behind Rwanda’s music growth scene.
Meanwhile, Dorcy Rugamba, is a Genocide survivor, visionary playwright, and director, who uses his stages as a platform for dialogue and reflection both locally and beyond Rwanda’s borders.
Rugamba was the man behind the recent 10-day extravaganza dubbed ‘Kigali Triennial Festival’ hosted in Kigali to uplift Rwandan creatives and cultural industry by enhancing global partnerships and attracting investment.
The festival, held every three years, featured an impressive lineup of over 200 artists representing 25 countries, showcasing performances, exhibitions, and events spanning music, dance, fashion, theatre, film, gastronomy, and visual arts.
He noted: "This country was on the verge of disappearing after the Genocide, that’s what lots of observers thought. Anyhow, nobody could imagine that we would be where we are today.
"Rwanda has been on an extraordinary journey and has overcome considerable challenges. Today, given all that we have been through, the future looks much brighter.”
ALSO READ: History of arts in Rwanda
Among other performers featured in, are the ‘Ibihame by’Imana’ cultural troupe, actor and comedian Diogene Ntarindwa known as Atome, fashion designer Gaetan Shema and many others.
Together, these trailblazers and countless others are reshaping Rwanda’s cultural landscape, preserving the memory of the past and inspiring a new generation to embrace their heritage and chart a path forward guided by creativity and compassion.