FROM BIG ROOMS to intimate spaces, live band music plays a key role in the lifeline of the entertainment value chain. Like The Compozers or Alternate sound, Rwanda has similar bands that understand the art of music arrangement and live performing. The New Times looks at some of the top notch live music bands in Rwanda basing on their creativity in music, big gigs and working with popular musicians. Symphony Band Established in 2016, Symphony Band which is made up of Nyundo School of Art and Music has done it all in the short time. The band has some of the best instrument players such as Etienne Niyontezeho, Frank Mugisha, Fabrice Irakora, Joachim Mugengakamere, and Taylor Lukongo Ngoli, which makes it one of the best bands in town, given how their performances are applauded in bars and on concerts where they perform. Fast rising singer Ariel Ways was also part of the band before taking a solo route. They have performed in some of the biggest events in the country like East African Party, Kwita Izina concert that was headlined by American singer Ne-Yo, and Iwacu Muzika festival, among others. Symphony band is also known to play for top Rwandan musicians such as Bruce Melodie, Platini P and Masamba Intore. Neptunez Band Neptunez was created in 2014 to provide a fusion of truly authentic local tunes with a global and golden touch by one talent scout Remmy Lubega with the help of Enoch Rwagasana. The band was initially created on a seven piece setup hence deriving the name Neptunez, denoting music from another planet. Neptunez is positioned as an urban professional live band that was missing in the Rwandan live music scene. The centerpiece of Neptunez is an instrument known as saxophone. It is also the team behind a home grown jazz event brand known as the Kigali Jazz Junction (KJJ), which hosted one of the great musicians alive like Seyi Shay from Nigeria, Kidumu Kibido from Burundi and Jidena from the US. J360 Band J360 is a renowned gospel band, with one of the best instrument players and producers in Rwanda, and the whole East African region. Having guitarists like Arsene Nimpagaritse and Arnaud Gasige, J360 has made itself a household name by playing for some of the best gospel artistes including Aime Uwimana, Serge Rugamba and Israel Mbonyi. The band is also known to host a gospel show that normally takes place at Hôtel des Mille Collines every Tuesday. Kesho Band The band name is derived from a Kiswahili word which means tomorrow. It was formed in 2012 by one of Rwanda’s strongest live performing acts, Martin Maniraruta, alias Mani Martin. The band is made up of six members; drummer Jaymo, percussionist Joshua, guitarists Clement and Ras Kayaga, bass guitar player Sam and Mani Martin, the lead singer and director. The group records and performs with Mani Martin on his tours both at home and abroad. Kesho band is also behind one of the greatest songs ever produced in Rwanda, ‘Destiny’ by Mani Martin Umurage Live Band Umurage band is a renowned live performing band made up of seven people including Victor Bass, Bienvenue Nkunzimana the drummer, Ngabo Evode and others. It started from an idea that was birthed after a talent contest called AFRIFRAMEVOX. Its aim is to deliver good music for the Rwandan community. Umurage Live Band is also known to play for some of the top Rwandan musicians like the ‘Dede’ hit maker Davis D. It is also known to beat many other bands in the battle of the bands, an event that used to take place at Kigali Marriott hotel.
