BELGIUM-BASED RWANDAN ARTISTE, Lionel Sentore, is now focusing on growing his talent as he showcases Rwandas traditional music to the world. Born Lionel Ndizeye, the singer was born in Burundi, but was raised in Rwanda. The name Sentore, he told The New Times was given to him by one of his relatives, Athanase Sentore, who was a singer. Music inspired by family background Born in a family that values culture and tradition, made Lionel a big fan of the genre as he shared in an exclusive interview. “Athanase Sentore, is one of the most well-known singers. He was a very patriotic man and could go miles to compose songs for Rwanda, to promote the culture and traditions of Rwanda. He was a very cool and humble man.” said Lionel. Lionel started his music journey in 2011 when he was in Belgium, where he stays. His first song was ‘Mutoni Wanjye’. Together with hiscolleague Charles Uwizihiwe, they formed a duo dubbed ‘Ingangare Group’. The artiste told this publication that throughout his music journey, Rwandan traditional singer Masamba, has been a helping hand. He added that his focus is on doing traditional and cultural songs even though he stays abroad. Some of his latest songs include ‘Uwangabiye’ and ‘Haguruka Ugende’ Challenges When asked about his experience doing traditional music while staying abroad, Lionel said “Making traditional music in Belgium has never been easy for us at all. However, it is kind of better now since we were blessed to get a producer, named Didier who we used to work with on some traditional music in Rwanda. So, it is getting closer to being much easier.” His biggest challenge has been promoting their songs as he revealed, “Most of our target audience are in Rwanda and not being there physically is so challenging and it really requires too much effort to push our music. But still, it is doable.” Multiple talents Lionel Sentore studied in Kacyiru Primary School and Kagugu Primary School then went to Lyce de Nyanza, Butantsinda, and Coste for Secondary School. Not only is he an artiste, but he also plays in SK Londerzeel, one of the Football Clubs in Belgium which in Division Four. This is a talent he showcased when he was in Senior Three as he started playing in Division Two of Pipinier FC. He was also part of a team that was called SORWATE by then. On Saturday, January 8, Lionel held a traditionl marriage ceremony with Rwandan actress, Aline Munezero best known as Bijoux in a ‘Bamenya Series’.
