Rwandan artistes for Doadoa festival next month

The organisers of DOADOA, the East African performing Arts Market, have announced artistes that will perform at this year’s edition. The weekend announcement revealed a host of talented artistes and bands who will perform during the sixth annual festival at the Uganda Museum in Kampala from May 3 – 6. They include Rwandan trio of Angel Umutoni and Deo Munyakazi, as well media and cultural professional Eric Karengera, also known as Eric Soul. Also to perform at the three-day festival are Ugandan acts Charmant Mushaga, Haka Mukiga, Giovanni Kremer Kiyingi, and Cindy Sanyu. Others are Kenyan musicians Nina Ogot and reggae group Asili Dub Band. Doadoa is an annual networking platform that gives stakeholders in the music industry and performing artistes an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience. The forum is also intended to promote East African content to the international market. It is not the first time Rwanda will be represented at the Doadoa festival. Last year, Eric Soul headlined the event, participating in panel discussions that aimed to provide an insight into how to increase recognition of the regional music industry. Eric Soul. (Net) While expressing delight about his scheduled performance at this year’s edition, Eric Soul, a renowned DJ and the owner of Afrogroov, a multi-dimensional company dedicated to promoting creative arts, said their appearances meant showcasing the potential of the Rwandan creative industry and to raise more awareness of the local music in particular. “It shows a continuity and consistency in our approach to Rwandan industry growth. It’s important we continue strengthening links with the rest of the region. The aim is to create global relevance and visibility for our Music Art and Culture,” he said. While Rwanda has in recent years registred commendable progress in many sectors, Eric Soul said, the country is yet to make a mark in the creative industry. But such platforms as Doadoa, he said, help Rwanda to gain exposure in the new emerging sector. The Rwandan artistes were invited under #ComponentsRw, a collaborative initiative curated by Eric Soul to support the creative industry through organising performances, conferences, forums, and securing deals with international players. Through this collaborative initiative, Rwandan artistes have landed gigs in the region, including the recent ONGEA, which took place in Kenya, as well as Jalada Festival. Deo Munyakazi, a traditional instrumentalist, is hopeful that participating in such festivals will help them as artistes to create important connections. It’s an opportunity for me to continue advancing in the area of traditional music, he said. Angel Umutoni “First of all, it is an opportunity to meet regional and international stakeholders in the creative industry, make new connections and get new ideas that will help us put Rwandan music on the world map. It’s also a time to promote traditional Inanga instrument worldwide,” he said. On a separate invitation, Trezzor Band, a popular local music group, will also take part in one of the sessions organised to bring together sensational cultural and traditional artistes. This year’s event will feature a series of music and entertainment. Other highlights of the festival include mentorship opportunities, seminars and workshops conducted by regional and international experts. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwandan artistes for Doadoa festival next month