The much-anticipated launch of the debut poetic album "Mawe" by renowned poet Junior Rumaga, was launched on August 11, accompanied by Siga Rwanda Live Concert at Kigali Convention and Exhibition Village (KCEV).
The event which showcased a rich display of culture and creativity was graced by family, friends, and diehard fans, proof of the undeniable artistic power in Rwanda.
The stage came alive at 8: 00pm with the vibrant sounds and skills of the Shauku Band, the eloquent verses of ‘Carine the poet’, and the Inanga traditional team who entertained the audience with their performances, skillfully playing the Inanga, that took back the early turned up fans to a bygone era, connecting the past with the present.
Junior Rumaga, the man of the hour, surprised the expectant audience when he got to the stage just to greet them. Cheers and applause filled the house as he expressed his gratitude for their presence.
Shortly after, he kicked off with his series of performances, starting with 'Inzoga' (Alcohol) one of his poem featuring his grandfather Dukokora, the Rwandan poet. The poem starts with the words "Abato mwitondere agatama kandi agatabi mute kure" which literally means " young people avoid alcohol, stay smoke-free."
This piece of poetry, delves into the intricate relationship between alcohol abuse and misguided perceptions surrounding its consumption, the false belief that drinking is an escape or a remedy for life's challenges and can serve as a solution to problems.
The next play was 'Intago y'Ubumwe' (Drinking from traditional clay pot of unity), accompanied by Bulldog, Mr.Kagame, a tribute to the late Yvan Buravan.
The poem resonates with a resounding call for Rwandans to envelop themselves in unity and courage, to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of those who paved the way for the nation's present tranquility and the need to embrace the unbreakable bond among Rwandans.
Still on stage, he was joined by Patrick Rusine, a renowned comedian with his drunk-inspired jokes. Together they graced the stage with Intambara y'Ibinyobwa' (Drinking lifestyle choices).
The viral poem is a thought-provoking poem that explores the contrasting viewpoints of two artists—one advocating for alcohol consumption and the other supporting non-alcoholic drinks. Rusine the alcohol supporter, praised the virtues of alcohol, attributing positive aspects such as enhancing good moods, social connections, and creating a cheerful environment.
Conversely, Rumaga the non-alcoholic drinks advocate, challenges the glorification of alcohol by shedding light on its potential drawbacks, particularly within families. He highlights the negative impact of alcohol on familial relationships, drawing attention to instances where excessive drinking may lead to conflicts, emotional distress, and strained connections.
As the event progressed, he also performed ‘Ivangiri’, and ‘Kibobo’, which held the audience in rapt attention, showcasing the diverse range of his talent in the house.
At precisely 9:50, singer and songwriter Niyo Bosco took to the stage to perform his soul-stirring songs 'Ubigenza ute' and 'Ubumuntu'. His songs are characterized by their profound connection to real-life experiences and their ability to convey deep, meaningful messages.
Shortly after, at 10:12 Rumaga came back from a short break commencing with his sensational poem 'Umugore si umuntu', which literally means -a woman is not just a person, but a formidable warrior.
The iconic poem sums up the essence of a woman's identity as more than just an individual, portraying her as a resolute warrior who possesses an extraordinary blend of inborn courage and unparalleled strength. Through the ability to conceive and bring forth life, withstand the challenges of menstrual cycles, and that they demonstrate a remarkable resilience that defies easy categorization. It's a tribute to every woman, especially mothers.
Next up was the 'Umwana Araryoha' poem accompanied by Peace Jolie, celebrating the adorable nature of kids. 'Komera mukobwa', performed together with Carine the poet, delved into the challenges faced by women, including pregnancy and abandonment, while emphasizing strength and resilience.
'Narakubabariye' a love-themed poem, conveyed forgiveness despite past mistakes. 'Mazi ya nyanja', featuring Alyn Sano, continued the theme of love. Sano also entertained fans with her song 'Mubabarire’, as Producer Element and Ross Kana performed "Foi de Toi', one of the viral and sensational songs.
The event then shifted to an awe-inspiring moment of recognizing individuals, starting with a touching tribute from his mother, followed by the acknowledgment of Mariya Yohana, a notable figure in Rwanda’s traditional scene. Another mother, who cleans the roads in Kigali, was also honored. The show concluded with Yvan Buravan's heartfelt tribute to his father, while all participants received awards for their exceptional contribution to Rumaga's poetry journey.