What featured in Rwanda’s music industry in 2013

What a year it has been for Rwanda’s music scene! From hit songs like ‘Kanda amazi’ becoming the youths’ “anthem” to “Fata Fata” closing the year on a high.In the other news, singer Tom Close is officially off the shelf after marrying fiancée Ange Tricia Niyonshuti in December — sorry ladies that’s the bitter truth. Riderman is the title holder of the 2013 Primus Guma Guma Superstar competition, and Bralirwa recently introduced a 55cl primus beer which has come to be named after female sensation musician Knowless.New kids on the block The gospel industry started off on a high note with many newcomers giving the already established artistes a run for their money. First, there was Bright Karyango, who introduced himself to the stage with inspirational gospel songs such as ‘Intwari kubaruta’, ‘Rubasha’ and ‘Amarira y’imfubyi’.These songs earned him a bigger fan-base and a nomination in last year’s Groove Awards. Then Jimmy Claude hit the scene with the song ‘Ni kure’ and instantly took over. ‘Ikindimo’, ‘Maman’ and ‘Azantabara’ followed, and surely did not disappoint. Competition was fierce mid-year; Jimmy Muriho unleashed mega tracks ‘Munyita nde’ and ‘Very sweety’, which instantly became over-night sensations. Serge Iyamuremye followed suit with tunes such as ‘zitandukanye’, ‘nabaho’ and ‘arampagije’ which earned him nominations in the Groove Awards but the biggest name of all was Gloria Uwamahoro, who scooped the Best New Artiste award in the Groove Awards. She took the country by storm with her strong vocals that were hard to miss in tracks like ‘Ndahari’, ‘Nturakizwa’ and ‘Icyo Nifuza’.Another new kid on the block, Ainee Kamikazi Ishimwe, brought a new flavour into the Zouk and Afro/R&B and developed a unique choreographic style. She tasted success with her singles, ‘Sinakumenye’. She has since released another song titled, ‘Garuka’ and she seems unstoppable at this rate.The rapping duo of Junior’s Kent resurfaced with a new hip-hop track ‘Turiho’ composed in French and English. Edouce Irabizi knew the right buttons to push when he came out with tunes like ‘Zahabu’ and ‘Winsiga’, but it was Alistide Kayitana who took the industry by storm after the release of his songs ‘Ahora Aseka’, and ‘Come to me’. He’s certainly among the young artistes to watch out for this year.Concerts that flopped 2013 also registered many concert flops and top on the list of ‘casualities’ is Uncle Austin.If he had the means, he would have done everything possible to save his concert from being recorded among the year’s biggest flops. Maybe August isn’t a perfect month for concerts. Maybe he did not make enough publicity for his concert. These questions lingered in the minds of his few fans who turned up for his concert. Swallowed up by the empty seats at the Gikondo Expo Grounds, fans whispered to one another, while Uncle Austin restlessly peeped from the backstage to get the grim picture of reality.The show was rated the worst of 2013, making Uganda’s self-styled ‘Heavy Weight’ Bebe Cool, whom Uncle Austin had hired to grace the concert, a laughing stock. The year has equally been a nightmare to other local artistes like Kamichi and Urban Boyz who will surely want to quickly forget what befell them during their album launches.Kamichi got the surprise package at Kigali Serena Hotel during his ‘Mudakumirwa’ album launch, watching the empty seats.No wonder after the show he somewhat melted into thin air, refusing to speak to the press. Then Urban Boyz’s turn to taste the bitter truth came. Prior to their launch, the Swagga Boys, as they call themselves, were known to throw concerts that were well organized, exquisitely and near to perfection.Friday December 13, late in the evening, the venue, Petit Stade, was so empty. It was therefore, easy to tell the three were nervously sweating in anxiety. Such scenes have become something of a norm. But what exactly went wrong this year? Why is it that fans are increasingly shunning these concerts, yet, it’s only a few years ago that they would pack the venues to full capacity? This is one of the concerns, it’s not explicable how an album launch that will kick off at 6p.m is taken on the outskirts to the city, yet numerous halls are readily available right in the heart of Kigali.Given their extended delays and the late hours that they end, how do they expect people to travel back to the city?On the flipside But it was not all gloom on Rwanda’s music scene last year. Back in June, Knowless launched her new album ‘Uwo ndiwe,’ at Serena Hotel, Kigali at a live performance that left her fans electrified.The songstress proved that she was a force to reckon with in Rwanda music when she managed to put up a live performance in front of her adoring fans that thronged the venue in their multitudes.During this launch, Ugandan Afrobeat/reggae musician Jose Chameleon stole the show with a dazzling performance that had everyone get on their feet till he left the stage. He sang some of his biggest hits like ‘Valu Valu’, ‘Maama Mia’ and ‘Kipepeo’, among others.Then enter Mani Martin. This music talent, again, did not disappoint this year. Martin wowed his fans at Serena Hotel, Kigali as he launched his fourth album, “My Destiny” that consists of singles ‘U Rwagasabo’, ‘Bira wewe’, ‘Irungu’, ‘Hamani’ and ‘Nyiramwiza’ among others.During the concert, Mani played to a huge audience that included Dr Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, President of the Senate, Protais Mitali, Sports and Culture minister, Jules Ndamage, Mayor, Kicukiro District, as well as Dr Jean- Baptiste Habyalimana, Executive Secretary of the National Unity and Reconciliation (NURC), among other dignitaries.Emery Gatsinzi, a.k.a Riderman, gave his fans an early Christmas present when he launched another album at Petit Stade, Remera on December 23.The launch was marked by great performances, breathtaking rhythms and a crowd that went wild in ecstasy as the 2013 Primus Guma Guma award winner performed on stage. He shared the stage with some local musicians that included Narrow Crew, Sick City, Jack B, Active Group, NPC, Babli and Pacento.This was another welcome addition to the Rwandan music as his fans came in large numbers to see their star on stage. And what a swansong it was to close the year from the man who this year has taken Rwanda music by storm. The successful album launch vindicates that Rwanda music is headed for great future.Where is Lil G?Last year was tough for musicians, especially for the ‘Wannabes’. Lil G was quick to rise and then quick to fall. Lil G failed to live up to the expectations of many and fell off the radar.Who are the TBB?What in the world is TBB crew supposed to do? All they do is repeat their single jam and appear in all important music events. And Tino should also stick to being an MC and radio presenter, while his two partners should, well, join a TVET college.Is Mico the Best, really the Best?2013 has been a dark, dark year for Mico The Best. From disappoints from Tanzanian music icon Diamond to having ‘beef’ with fellow artiste Uncle Austin. And there’s Sandra Miraj; Sandra who?She is an overrated biggest joke of the year. By the way, what’s in a name if one cannot perform to it? Wake up and join Disneyland as a multi-colored Barbie girl.Meanwhile, Mako Nikoshwa is always spotted at Hilltop’s Club Nine. We wonder whether he quit music and became a bouncer at this club, and Rafiki is trying hard to make a come-back but the industry isn’t the same.Bouquets for the best newcomers and barbs for the flops. Till next year.

Leisure

What featured in Rwanda’s music industry in 2013