American music expert teaches Rwandans jazz

Heater A. Maxwell, an African music specialist and host of Music Time in Africa programme on Voice of America, has told music students to be guided by discipline if they want to be leaders in the entertainment industry. Maxwell was on a two-day visit to Nyundo School of Arts in Rubavu District to share experience with students. The school opened its doors two months ago with 30 students selected from across the country. The students are admitted on a three-year theoretical and practical music skills programme aimed at helping them become professional musicians. Jacques Muligande, the director of the school, said the institution offers hands on skills to help students sharpen their skills and become leaders in the industry. “Music is like any other job; you got to work hard to do well. And don’t forget your culture—sing Jazz, pop music and rap etc, but don’t forget your own language, own culture and your own instrument and your own dance. That is what can really makes Rwandan music today something special,” she said.