The Rwandan music scene is changing really fast, thanks to the rise of many music bands. One of the youngest and fast rising bands to grace the local music scene is Symphony Band, a group of five members, formerly students of Nyundo School of Music.
Established in 2016, the group started with five members, who began playing together at school, and as part of the school band, until two of them dropped out which propelled them to bring on three other members to make the band complete.The band comprises of vocalist and only female member, Ariel Uwayezu, Etienne Niyontezeho, Joachim Mugengakamere, singer and guitarist, Fabrice Irakora, a drummer, Frank Mugisha and Jackson Cyiza.
The band performs every Thursday evening at Fuchsia Lounge Bar in Remera. Courtesy photos.
"We did not exactly plan what members to add to our band but we were in the same class and knew who was playing which instrument and we were part of the school band. That is how we decided we could be good team together,” Mugengakamere,” one of the founding members told The New Times in an interview.
Together, they have graced several concerts, notably Iwacu Music Festival, Kwita Izina, as well as backed many singers on stage.
The highlight for them, as a band, however, was when they performed at the first daughter’s wedding.
"For people to trust us enough to entertain them at such a grand wedding was quite motivating. It showed us that live music is taking a huge step in Rwanda and people are appreciating, Uwayezu said in an interview.
For the band members also, it has not just about gracing the stage but how much they have grown as a ‘family’.
"We have been more than a band, working together and growing together, that the guys now live together.The band has changed our lives musically and we have since become a family while building our personal lives financially,” Uwayezu added.
The group drummer, Irakora, however revealed that their biggest challenge has been introducing new forms of music to their fans.
"We sometimes play instrumental music but Rwandans are not used to kind of music yet and will make a fuss about it. It’s quite challenging but with time they will learn to appreciate.”
Future plans
"We hope to compose our own songs and hopefully grow to perform for other bigger audiences internationally. We don’t want to just be a band that backs up singers but also be recognized a band with our own songs,” Uwayezu said.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com