Despite being used as a tool to instigate killings during the Genocide, music today is used to foster reconciliation and unity. And it is for this reason that traditional and cultural artistes convened on April 5, to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through music. Different artistes have since released songs, lending their voices to the rallying call for remembrance, unity and renewal. The New Times highlights some of the songs released so far to mark #Kwibuka30. Rwanda Komera – Sherrie Silver Foundation Renowned Rwandan choreographer Sherrie silver and members of his Sherrie Selver foundation on Saturday, April 6 released a song titled ‘Rwanda Komera’ produced to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Written by Sherrie Silver and Sano Panda, the song’s visuals feature guest appearances from some of the biggest Rwandan celebrities such as Tuma Basa, Chris Eazy, Massamba Intore and many others, all who are standing with Rwanda during this time of remembrance. Ngira Nkugire - Jules Sentore Gakondo artiste, Jules Sentore, released a video clip of Ngira Nkugire, one of the songs on the track list of Vivant les Chemins de la Mémoire a documentary by Valens Kabarari about his journey during the Genocide against the Tutsi and how he survived it. The song was released on Thursday, April 4, while the film will premiere on April 25 in Belgium, where Kabarari currently lives with his family. Amateka - Cyusa Ibrahim Amateka, which translates to history, is a new song by Cyusa Ibrahim that comes back to how Rwandans used to be united before colonialists established divisionism that introduced differences to the historically unified Rwandan people. In the song, the artiste urges Rwandan people to avoid divisionism so that history won’t repeat itself. Ndagiye - Justin Nsengimana Singer-songwriter, Justin Nsengimana, has also released a song titled ‘Ndagiye’, based on a true story about a strong mother who fought with the killers during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The artiste, known as Justin wi Ikingogo, said that the message of this song is to stay strong and face challenges especially during the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Nsengimana had earlier released an album dubbed Dukomeze Turwubake in a concert held in Ngororero District on March 26. Nabibagirwa Nte? - Roho JB Roho JB, a popular singer best known for composing songs about unity and reconciliation, also released a new song titled Nabibagirwa, which translates to How can I forget, that aims to call all Rwandans to preserve their history and never stop remembering the victims of the Genocide Against the Tutsi. Twibuke - Yvanny Mpano It is a new song by artist Yvanny Mpano. In this song, the young artiste explains why remembering is a necessity for every Rwandan citizen to have a better future.
