Renowned Gakondo singer Massamba Intore Butera, known by his stage name Masamba Intore is set to rock ‘New Year Gala 2024’, an annual fellowship held mid-week of the first month that brings together Rwandans living in Atlanta, friends of Rwanda across various countries, nearby states, and the Rwanda Embassy. The event scheduled for January 20, in Atlanta, USA, attracts various Rwandan communities from the Southeast region of Georgia, including Atlanta as the capital city, and extends invitations to other Rwandan Community Associations (RCA’s) from Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, among others. It aims to promote Rwanda’s brand and culture, welcoming diaspora communities of other countries and Americans, fostering connections and friendships with Rwanda. It will serve as a pre-event, focusing on discussions about ongoing and past events, as well as mobilizing support and participation for Rwanda Day slated for February 2 and 3. In particular, it showcases cultural dances and other diversity traditions while serving as a platform for discussions on Rwanda’s development and the diaspora’s role in contributing to the country. It is with that background that Gakondo artistes including renowned Massamba Intore, Jacques Intore Nyungura, Nadine Gasirabo and Itorero IREBE, a local cultural dance troupe in Atlanta, were invited in particular. ALAO READ: Why ‘Gakondo’ might be the future of Rwandan music The ‘Kanjogera’ singer told The New Times that Rwandan cultural entertainment has reached levels of interest to be showcased in the prestigious festivals like Giant of Africa, francophones, United Kingdom, Trace Awards, Move Africa, and others. “When performing for the Rwandan diaspora, especially in the USA, it’s advantageous because of their strong nostalgia, he said, acknowledging that seeing traditional artists makes them feel intimately connected to Rwanda. He added: “When I visit, I mostly perform songs about Rwanda, fostering love for the country and encouraging their return to their homeland. These are the things they long to witness and thirst for. They take pride in showcasing their culture and traditions, demonstrating their singing, dancing, and entertainment style.” “Beyond the spectacle and its essence, he continued, our culture played a pivotal role in the country’s revival from a once considered ‘dead’ state.” ALSO READ: Diaspora youth eager to learn about homeland, spur Rwanda's development Reflecting on the nation’s 30-year journey, the ‘Karame Rudasumbwa’ singer highlighted the instrumental role of Gakondo music in rebuilding the country, especially during its liberation, acknowledging significant leadership efforts. “Entertainment is crucial for security, social cohesion, unity, and reconciliation. It greatly contributed to mobilization, fostering harmony and cooperation,” he said. “Rwandan music’s global outreach signifies the substantial progress in our entertainment scene,” he adeded.
