WORLD MUSIC DAY, also known as Music Day or Make Music Day is an annual celebration observed on 21 June around the world. It is a day to encourage young and amateur musicians to perform and play their favourite instruments or music for enjoyment and relaxation. According to daysoftheyear.com, music has existed for as long as mankind has found its voice, and quite possibly before. “More than 120 countries commemorate World Music Day as people organise free public concerts in parks, stadiums, and public places, mostly for music lovers and learners. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting activities this year, people are more likely to celebrate World Music Day virtually at home,” firstsport.com wrote. The New Times’ Patrick Nzabonimpa talked to different artistes and music lovers about the evolution of music in Rwanda and as well as its way forward. Young Grace who has been part of the Rwandan music industry for more than ten years said that the music industry has leveled up vastly when compared to the time when she started. This is shown from the development of Rwandan musicians in terms of quality of their music and personal growth, she said. However, she called on Rwandans to love and support what artistes do since we are also dealing with Covid-19 challenges where there are no concerts and shows that gathers different fans of music than can pay money. “Supporting us by buying our music online and viewing our videos on Youtube is huge for us,” she said. Jean de Dieu Turinimana, the CEO of Rwandan Society of Authors (RSAU) told this paper that Rwandan artistes have improved in terms of working professionally. “The quality of their videos has upgraded and they have even started shooting them in foreign countries like UAE in Dubai. Their mindsets have also changed; they have purpose and can now contribute to the development of the country, as well as showcase it,” he said. Tackling what still needs to be done, he called for enforcement of the government’s policy regarding intellectual property that favors musicians to benefit from their art. “Those who benefit from what artistes produce should pay them. It’s unfair if they benefit yet the artistes keep suffering. The law has been set and I believe that if it is enforced it will make a tremendous outcome,” he said. Kevin Kade, a rising musician believes that the older artistes have paved way for the upcoming ones like him. He said that the music industry has grown and recognizes that the digital media has played a vital role in that. “The digital media has made Rwandan songs reach far. What I am happy for is how the public feels about music. Most have changed their mindsets — if someone does music, they no longer see it as a waste of time,” he said. However, he urged Rwandans to improve their support to musicians. He said that investors and sponsors should pay musicians the money which is equivalent to the effort they have put in making and promoting their songs. He added: “Fans should also buy our music on different online platforms like Spotify.” Brian Shema, an MC and music enthusiast who has kept an eye on Rwandan music for years also affirms that music in Rwanda has expanded. “Artistes used to profit less money compared to what invested, but nowadays musicians like Bruce Melody and King James have gained a lot of money from music. The government also uses different artistes in its programs and pays them. We have also seen several artistes sign deals with different companies for advertisement. All these have added value to the Rwandan music,” he said. Shema also gave his thoughts on what still needs to be improved. “Rwandan music still has a long way to go. Compared to other countries in East Africa like Tanzania and Kenya, we are still at a low level and we need to be on the international spotlight. It should be everyone’s aim to promote Rwandan music. Investors, companies and the government should keep investing in the music industry and artistes should work hard and advance the quality of their music,” he said. He added: “Fans too shouldn’t aim to get Rwandan music for free. They should buy them on Spotify and view them via Youtube.”
