Rwanda’s traditional music still draws a crowd

It is shocking how quickly many African people have forgotten all about their cultural heritages and gone for the western culture. The same cannot be said of Rwandans who remain conservative in their values, and ever loyal to their cultural music. This was proved by the high turn out at a concert which took place last weekend at Kigali Serena Hotel. The concert in question featured prominent Rwandan cultural musician, including Jean-Marie Muyango, Intore Masamba, Umwari Fani, Gipeti. By 8pm the hotel’s main hall was already filled to capacity; the concert was clearly a ‘must’ attend. Everyone was enthusiastic to watch live cultural musicians performing, as it proved by number of attendants. “The show was amazing. I would have missed a lot if didn’t attend, since it is my first time to see Muyango and Umwari Fani performing live,” said Jean Claude Hanimana, 25. It was an opportunity for many music lovers to escape the counterfeit music styles from our upcoming artists, who ruin their music talents trying to imitate the western musicians. Why has Rwandan traditional music succeeded, despite the influence of other music styles? According to Intore Masamba, a strictly traditional musician, it is because the lyrics are based on the roots of the Rwandan culture, and follow into the footsteps of our forefathers. The passion for Rwandan cultural music cuts across all generations. Young and old alike give it outstanding contemplation. “I’m extremely thrilled that I and my daughter didn’t miss the show,” said one of the fans identified only as Nyiraneza, 57. Adding, “It has brought joy to my life!” Jackson Gatabazi, 20, is a dancer in ‘Urubyuruko’ troupe. He believes that exploiting his talent in the traditional dance is a solution to promoting Rwanda’s culture. “I’m happy and proud of my culture. I don’t see myself joining any other music troupe that simply tries to forge other cultures,” says Gatabazi. Music and dance have always played an important role in Rwandan culture. Rwandans have a variety of music and dance which ranges from acts that demonstrate heroic bravery to humorous lyrics to hunting root. The traditional songs are often accompanied by a solitary “Inanga”, a harp-like instrument with eight strings. Rwanda’s traditional dances are backed by a drum group, which typically comprises seven to nine members, who collectively produce a hypnotic and exciting explosion set of intertwining rhythms. The spontaneous traditional performances are normally played in rural or urban areas of the country. The finest exponent of Rwanda’s varied and dynamic traditional musical and dance styles, however, is the ‘Intore’ dance troupe, discovered several centuries ago during the kingship era. The word, ‘Intore’, (Chosen ones), was preferred decades ago, during the Kingship era. The nam Intore was given to the chosen few teenagers who were talented in music and dance. And they would be trained at the King’s palace by his men. There are Rwandan musicians who continue to promote Rwanda’s traditional music and dance, including Jean-Marie Muyango, Cecile Kayirebwa, Jean-Paul Samputu, Sentore, Intore Masamba, Umwari Fani, and many others. Some of these musicians have received attention on the international scene that has created an interest in Rwandan music on the world music audiences, thus profiling the country’s culture. Muyango, for example sings with nostalgia about the history of his country before colonialism, when others sing the praises of kings, hunters and warriors. “Given the tragic moments that most Rwandans suffered, we also try to sing the music that heals the hearts of people,” says Massamba. Ends