Gakondo music and socially themed songs are becoming rare in today’s music scene, which is largely dominated by global trends and TikTok-driven content. However, Rwandan musician Bolingo Paccy has taken a different path by choosing to tell local stories through his music.
His journey began in his hometown of Mahoko, located in Rubavu District, where he draws much of his inspiration.
The singer, born Patient Rukundo, was introduced to music at a tender age. He began learning musical instruments, especially piano, at the age of five years old. Growing up along with his father who is a guitarist, Bolingo Paccy was exposed to various books on music theory.
Village lifestyle played a key role in shaping his observational skills, encouraging him to pay close attention to social realities, an influence that continues to inspire his songwriting today beginning from Nyabuzara hill, in Mahoko.
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At 23, Bolingo Paccy is a professional musician with a blend of talents. He is a songwriter, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. His unique sound is a fusion of Gakondo music with modern genres including world music, Afro-soul, blues, and jazz.
"I can’t really remember then time when I was exposed to music,” he says. "All I can recall is being constantly inspired to compose, sing, and perform. My life has always revolved around music, although I didn’t initially think it would become my career.”
"In fact, my mother told me that when I was born, I didn’t cry like most babies. They tried everything to check my health, but nothing worked until someone whistled, and the sound finally made me cry. Maybe that was the sign that I was born a musician.”
"I have a notebook where I’ve written all my songs since childhood. That’s how I’ve managed to keep track of my music. If I ever forget a song, it probably wasn’t meant to be. I consider myself a thinker, and I treat everything that comes my way as a potential story worth recording,” he added.
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He began composing songs in his childhood and is a self-taught pianist.
So far has released several songs including Bushya featuring Okkama, Ibaze, Akabyino ka Sogokuru, Bonane, Wowe Gusa, Biranyura, Umucakara, Umuntu, Nyigisha featuring gospel singer Sharon Gatete, Mahoko, My Brother, Uzagaruke and Umucancuro among others.
Bolongi Paccy was following electronics until Senior Four when joined Nyundo School of Arts and Music in 2017. From there, he chose to pursue a general program without specialization.
He says he studied music not for business reasons but because it is his calling. He graduated in 2021.
The singer has fond memories with Nyundo School of Music. "That space is priceless,” he recalls. "It’s not for someone who just has a passion for music, but for someone who has deep inspiration. I did it because I love music, and I showed no hesitation toward any opportunity,” he said.
While at school, Bolingo Paccy formed a band called Umuriri Band alongside then students like producer Prince Kiiz, Okkama, Chartine Imfurikeye and Danny Nanone among others.
"That band paved the way for many of us,” he said.
Umuriri Band continued to operate even a few months after their graduation, until each member eventually took a different path in their music journey.
In 2022, Bolingo Paccy released his debut album titled "Umucancuro.” He streamed the album on Boomplay and Zanatalent and sold it at Rwf10,000 per copy. Impressively, it recorded over 100 sales before being distributed to other digital streaming platforms.
He may not have been offered a big stage for a performance, but Paccy Bolingo has been staging concerts at various venues, including L’Espace, Goethe-Institut, the French Institute, and several other popular spots, through his concept titled Imizi. The initiative aims to honor and celebrate legends who have passed away, by keeping their legacy alive.
Currently, he is preparing to launch his second album, Inyenyeri which comprises 21 songs. Of the songs are six collaborations with renowned artistes like Andy Bumuntu, Jules Sentore, Mani Martin, Okkama, and others. The album will be out in September.
"It’s an album that praises Rwanda and its culture,” he said. "We have so much to celebrate, but we often shy away from it, yet our heritage has a rich taste. This project is about bringing people closer to the treasures that nature and home have gifted us,” he said.
Bolingo Paccy’s education journey started at Mahoko Primary School before he continued to Rambura Boys Secondary School. He then attended Nyamagumba Secondary School before joining the Nyundo School of Music.