It is a common Rwandan traditional practice for a young person to get married as soon as the time is ripe. Once you are done with school for example, you will have to find a way to fend off your parents, uncles, aunties and grannies who want to know why you are still single. Marriage is considered a major milestone for parents, guardians or even the society in general. Whether boy or girl, you will be reminded and asked daily until you give in and walk down the aisle. It is something that really triggers regular debates with many arguing that the practice puts unnecessary pressure on people to marry even when they are not prepared. It is a norm several artistes, notably the ones still single, teamed up with Producer Zizou Al Pacino to address once and for all (hopefully) telling those putting them under pressure to relax and give them time. The song dubbed ‘Ubanza nkuze’, which loosely translates to ‘I think I am now grown up’ speaks about the pressure single people are put under to marry or procreate. It brought together King James, Bruce Melodie, Bull Dogg, Social Mula and Canada-based Safi Madiba, albeit all of whom are yet to officially get married, singing about the different questions they have to answer for not being married yet. In the song, King James sings that “it seems I have grown up because whoever meets me asks me why I am not married yet” but adds that he won’t marry because someone said so. The singer is always singled out among celebrities who have refused to change their status. Bruce Melodie chips in and says that he didn’t take long to marry and does not owe anybody explanations. “It is my life, my life. Whatever you say won’t change anything.” He adds that he has not been lucky in love. Safi perhaps comes in with a bolder message, seemingly reflecting on his life journey. The ‘Sound yawe’ singer said that he is always under pressure, that he has not produced any children yet and that he had a partial marriage. He appeals to those asking him to give him some time to put things together, promising them that when time comes, they will enjoy themselves. The former Urban Boys lead singer added that today families are breaking apart because people marry under pressure. Social Mula and Bull Dogg also sings about the difficulties of walking into marriage unprepared which results in challenges. Among other challenges, there are material things such as money and cars which people follow to get married. The song is off Producer Zizou’s forthcoming album he named “Mixtape 5/5 Experience”, which he is set to release soon, comprising 17 songs. Zizou, who is known for bringing together different artistes on ‘All-star’ projects to produce hits in his GooDaddy Studios, says the album will feature new songs and his old songs but with a new touch.
