It is fair to say that 2023 proved to be a great year for the Rwandan music industry in many ways, not just because several artistes graced the international stage but also it is the year Rwandan music crossed borders. A lot has happened on the music scene this year, with Rwandan artistes becoming the biggest beneficiaries of the country’s fast growing MICE sector, taking advantage of the many international events and concerts that the country hosted. It is a year many artistes were able to secure ‘gigs’, performing at different global events and meetings hosted in Rwanda. A good example is Alyn Sano who performed on platforms such as Women Deliver, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTA) summit and Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH 2023) summit and grand finale. It goes to show how artistes have benefited from Rwanda hosting the meetings and conferences, whereby entertainment or arts have become an integral part of national plans. Photos of President Kagame and the First Lady Jeannette Kagame greeting and interacting with artistes, including Israel Mbonyi, The Ben and others invited to the end of year party that the first couple hosted confirms how 2023 has been a successful year for the arts. Befitting a presidential handshake indeed, gospel singer Mbonyi led the way in breaking boundaries, capturing the East African market with his songs ‘Nina Siri’, ‘Nitaamini’ and his latest ‘Amenisamehe’ dominating airwaves in Kenya and Tanzania. By the beginning of December, the singer who filled up BK Arena on Christmas, was the most popular East African artiste on YouTube in Kenya, his song ‘Nina Siri’ coming ahead of Diamond Platnumz ft Jux. The year 2023 saw Rwandan artistes platformed at Trace Music Awards and Festival in October, led by Bruce Melodie, who was awarded the Best Rwandan artiste. Other artistes including Mike Kayihura, Bwiza Emerance, Ish Kevin, Angell Umutoni and Kivumbi, were involved in the music awards and festival in one way or another. It didn’t stop there, the artistes also had an opportunity to meet President Kagame at Urugwiro Village, when he met the organisers and musicians who were part of the awards, including global superstars such as Rema and Davido. ALSO READ: Bruce Melodie on being first Rwandan musician to win Trace Award In the same year, Rwandan artistes including Bruce Melodie, Massamba Intore and Sherrie Silver graced the Giants of Africa Festival in August, sharing the stage with the likes of Tyla of ‘Water’ fame, Davido, Diamond Platnumz- yet another milestone. There was no bigger stage for Rwandan artistes this year than the Move Afrika concert, which was headlined by U.S rapper Kendrick Lamar on December 6. Again, deservedly so, the biggest winner of the night was Bruce Melodie who shared stage with the iconic rapper. Venturing beyond borders The year also saw many Rwandan artistes get deals to perform outside Rwanda, including The Ben in Burundi in October and in Canada, while Bruce Melodie to date remains in the United States where he continues to enjoy performances. The ‘Funga Macho’ singer has taken advantage of his collaboration with legendary singer Shaggy to take his music to the world. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: The Ben overwhelmed by fans’ adoration during Bujumbura show ALSO READ: Bruce Melodie shuts down Portland, closes 2023 in style Similarly, singer Christopher Muneza got booked in Europe (France), U.S and ended the year in Bujumbura, Burundi. In France, Christopher performed alongside other Rwandan artistes such as Riderman and Bwiza. Other artistes who got opportunities to perform abroad include Ish Kevin (Kenya) and Chriss Eazy (Zambia and Belgium), who also finished the year with another concert in Bujumbura, Burundi. A year of bangers The year was equally characterised by a number of Rwandans songs which captured airwaves in the country and beyond, including collaborations with regional and international artistes. As the year ends, it can be arguably said that ‘Bana’, by U.S-based Rwandan singer Shaffy, featuring Chris Eazy, is the song of the year, the feel-good track ending the year on a high, alongside Kevin Kade’s ‘Munda’. Of course, one cannot forget Bruce Melodie’s ‘When She’s Around’, (a remix version of ‘Funga Macho’), featuring Shaggy, which has catapulted him to the global stage. The hit song followed a host more singles like ‘Azana’ and ‘Selebura’ and went on to become bangers. His presence in songs like ‘Igitaganza’ alongside Juno Kizigenza and Kenny Sol as well as 'Fou De Toi’ alongside Element and Ross Kana saw both songs gather huge appeal on various music platforms. Ending the year among 50 best songs of 2023 on Audiomack is a testament that 'FouDe Toi’ is definitely among the best songs of the year. As 2023 ends, it remains to be seen how Rwandan artistes will leverage the platforms and opportunities they got this year, to take their craft to the next level next year, but by and large, it was a successful year for the music industry.
