After spending years airing live on television since the outbreak of covid-19 that put a temporary ban on concerts, festivals and all public gatherings since March 2020, Iwacu Muzika Festival, an initiative that celebrates Rwandan arts through performances by Rwandan artists of all genres and generations, is back. The festival, organised by East African Promoters (EAP), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Culture, and ArtRwanda - Ubuhanzi among other partners, aims to promote Rwandan music by bringing together different artistes in their respective age brackets on the same stage. According to Joseph Mushyoma, the CEO of EAP, all the next editions of Iwacu Muzika will be staged at outdoor venues and will be open to the public, different to previous ones that aired on Rwanda Television. The festival, Mushyoma further said, will also provide a platform to young and upcoming artists in different categories such as music, dance, performing art, fashion and literature to give them visibility, and also give them a chance to perform alongside famous artists and acquire experience from them. “Everyone should get ready to relive the magic as your favorite festival returns with more excitement, music, and fun than ever before. We will be having Iwacu Muzika at outdoor places which is something Rwandans are embarking on these days. More information about the festival will come soon,” Mushyoma told The New Times. In addition to creating entertainment and enjoyment, Mushyoma noted that the festival will also serve as a call to Rwandans urging them to like, consume and buy Rwandan arts products. The festival is, as well, serving as a boost to the cultural and creative industry since the outbreak of COVID-19. A total of 15 artistes including gospel, traditional, and secular musicians have already performed at the festival.
