Rwandan poet Sylvestre Nsengimana has unveiled his debut poetry extended play (EP) titled “Mu Rwanda,” celebrating Rwanda, its culture, and lifestyle. The EP comprises four poems, namely 'Seruka Nyampinga,' 'Mu Rwanda' featuring Carine Poet and Munezero Ferdinand, 'Amajwi y’i Rwanda,' and 'Imitoma.' Mu Rwanda’s uniqueness lies in blending contemporary vibes while maintaining the authenticity of poetry. The title reflects the central theme of capturing the essence of Rwanda in the artistic work. Nsengimana drew inspiration from various lifestyles, admiring Rwanda's progress and how the world views the country. I had in my mind the idea of celebration. That is how I came up with the concept of living that legacy. I am a storyteller, always here to share stories. However, I wanted something unique to celebrate. So, when someone thinks about celebrating, they can consider my poetry and perhaps use it as a tool for celebration, he said. As a poet, Nsengimana dedicated himself to capturing Rwanda's accomplishments, particularly its advancements in women's empowerment. One of his poems on the EP, 'Seruka Nyampinga,' praises and acknowledges the strength of Rwandan women. 'Imitoma' also celebrates the essence of love, where he emphasises the profound beauty of love and the nurturing qualities inherent in Rwandan women. Another creation, 'Amajwi y’i Rwanda,' delves into the rich sounds of Rwanda, evoking the emotions of someone yearning for their homeland after a long period abroad. Nsengimana said the EP was a labour of love, taking over a year to craft. He collaborated with producer De Lou as well as Michael Makembe, striving to achieve a harmonious blend of traditional Rwandan elements and contemporary styles. I was careful about every single word that I wrote and took steps in production, working with the team to ensure everything meets my needs, he said. But what's unique about this project is its fusion of traditional Rwandan style and modern style, he said. If one listens attentively to each piece, one will realise that it revolves around the celebration of themes associated with Rwanda. Mu Rwanda EP is currently available on various streaming platforms like Spotify, Audiomark, and iTunes. Nsengimana plans to promote the EP and produce videos for each of the four poems to visually encapsulate the poetic moments. “This way, people can not only listen but also witness my words, immersing themselves in those moments with me, he explained. Reflecting on his six-year journey as a poet, Nsengimana emphasised personal growth and the development of his unique voice. He stated that the release of 'Mu Rwanda' EP signifies the celebration of his distinctive voice resonating with a wider audience, also evident through the positive feedback on his poetic evolution.
