Renowned Gakondo musician Massamba Intore has announced the release of his record 12th album, "Mbonezamakuza,” a 27-track masterpiece that celebrates liberation war struggle, patriotism and his legacy by blending traditional Rwandan rhythms with contemporary influences.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, February 19, Massamba said that the songs will all be released one by one within three days on top of staging a solo and cultural concert at Institut Français on Friday, February 21.

People will be able to find the songs of the album across all digital platforms.

ALSO READ: Why ‘Gakondo’ might be the future of Rwandan music

One album in three sequences

According to the ‘Kanjogera’ composer, "Mbonezamakuza" simply means "Amacumu” [war victory narratives] and it tells his personal story, emphasizing his deep connection to the liberation struggle—a lesson he wants young people to learn.

"I, Massamba Intore, find it difficult to separate myself from the liberation struggle. I have learned many army songs, and I am proud of Amacumu. I want our youth to know how to handle them and to be brave because that is what the world recognizes.”

Massamba added that the songs on his album serve as a reminder for the youth to contribute to efforts to build Rwanda, particularly through digital activism.

"If you happen to love such army songs, they make you reflect on the heroes who liberated this country. If these songs served their purpose back then, what about today’s youth? Although they are not on the battlefield, they can switch to digital activism to defend their country. I wanted these songs to resonate with the youth,” he noted.

Beyond songs of patriotism, also includes wedding songs, adding to those he already performs at weddings. However, he wanted to enhance them with a unique touch, making them more appealing and memorable for listeners.

Additionally, "Mbonezamakuza” features songs that reflect Rwandan society, focusing on themes of patriotism, heroism, sacrifice, decency, dignity, and values. These songs aim to showcase Rwandan identity, especially to visitors.

Taking a musical break

Massamba announced that, after the album release, he won’t release new music during the next five years. Instead, he will focus on writing a book that documents the songs from his 12 albums, preserving their tunes and melodies.

Born in Bujumbura, Burundi in 1969, to famed musician Athanase Sentore, Massamba first publicly performed with the troupe "Intore Indashyikirwa” at when he was only six years old, and went on to write his first love song at 17, ‘Ndi Uwawe’, that would later earn him the Best Young Artist award in Burundi.

In 1989, inspired by the hero Fred Gisa Rwigema, Massamba left university in Burundi—where he majored in Psychology, Sciences and Education—and joined other Rwandans in the liberation struggle.

He put on his uniform, straightened his gaze, and together with the ‘Indahemuka’ troupe, set out to explain the liberation struggle to Rwandan refugees across East and Central Africa.

He fought alongside the RPF-Inkotanyi, often boosting their morale with his brittle voice and charismatic smile, and later, to the rest of the survivors. But this would not be the only talent under his sleeves, relating to The above, why you can’t separate him with liberation struggle.

His music is rooted in Rwanda's traditional Gakondo style, emphasizing themes of courage, patriotism, and cultural preservation.

Massamba now has 12 albums under his belt, recorded throughout his 40-year career in music.

"Mbonezamakuza” becomes his latest production, in addition to other albums like Ikaze mu Rwanda, Intore ni Intore, Mukore ku Muco, Murabrizee Samawa, Uzaje Urebe, Ubutumwa, Iyo Ndirimbo, Kanjongera, and more.

The 27 tracks on "Mbonezamakuza” album

Rwabihama

Amagaju

Batashye

Nyaruguru Vol II

Tsinda

Dukumbuye Rwanda Yacu

Kibasumba

Abe

Mpore Mpore

Muyumbu wa Nziga

Urwererane

Twaje Kugutaramira

Umwali

Urabeho Shenge

Mbonezamakuza

Twazindutse

Duhananye Umurego

lyambere Ukwakira vol ll

Zarwaniyinka

Sisi Wenyewe Vol ll

Milindi ya Ngoma

Dimba hasi Vol ll

Kamonyi

Fourteen vol ll

Nyangezi

Vive L’Ange

Nyiramaliza