Remember. Unite. Renew. As the country continues to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that left over one million people dead, several artistes, seasoned and upcoming—including youngsters—released songs to console and comfort Rwandans during this tough period. ‘Amarira Ndira’ a song by Jeanne d’Arc Giramata, written by Bright Karyango, contains a very heart-warming message to all Rwandans, especially survivors of the Genocide. In the song, she says, “The tears I am crying are too much, because I have a lot of people to remember. RPF Inkotanyi came to our rescue. It is so painful to live this way, but as we are their branches, we live this life twice, for we also live in their legacy.” Speaking to The New Times, 17-year-old Giramata says it was hard to make the song, “As a young girl, it was not easy. I wanted to deliver a message and to commiserate with all Rwandans in this tough time. Let’s be strong together and strive for self-reliance, work hard and do good to make our loved ones proud.” Limu Floduard Twizeyimana usually sings about peace-building and patriotism. On April 5, he shared his song ‘Tuguhoze Rwanda’ with the message of empathy during this tough time. In the song, he says that though the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi left Rwanda in darkness, the country has now gone far and beyond, and as one, we are building the best Rwanda. ‘Never Again Genocide against Tutsi 1994’ by Juda Muzik was released on April 6. “Commemoration is not an order, it is every citizen’s responsibility since we share culture and history. The 1994 history of darkness became the key to opening the light and unity. We have learnt a lot from our past, we have hope, smiles on our faces, peace and love is the only song that we sing because our future is ours,” he says. “We are responsible people who protect the country. We as the people of Rwanda, value and stand together for the love and unity of our motherland. United we stand to fight against Genocide. Never Again!” On April 6, ‘Ngire Nte’ by Jados Sengabo featuring Cecile Kayirebwa was released—a song that talks about the sorrow of Genocide survivors. It also talks about Rwanda’s current good governance, and how we are all equal. In the song, they urge the youth to do everything within their power to build the nation, and deliver a prayer asking God to protect Rwanda and never let the same barbarism happen ever again. ‘Wa Munsi Wageze’ by Ibrahim Cyusa, a traditional singer, was also released on April 6, about an old man telling his young children about our history and asking them to never stop commemorating. “It still feels like a fresh wound though some may say that so many years have passed. Dear son/daughter, so many beautiful people were killed and some parents were killing their own kids. I’d like to suggest that you never stop commemorating.” The song emphasises the need to commemorate, so as to learn from the past and build a better future for Rwanda, free from Genocide ideology. Marcel Ntazinda, on April 6, released an all-star song he composed which features Mariya Yohana, Dieudonné Munyanshoza, Eric Senderi, Jean de Dieu Rwamihare, Grace Mukankusi, Ernest Ndayishimiye, Hon. Françoise Uwumuliza, Jean Marie Muyango, Aline Gahongayire, Eric Rukundo and Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa. The song, ‘Igihango’, is about the promises of the survivors to the people they lost in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi— in all years and generations, they will forever remember their lost loved ones. They comfort Rwanda as a whole and promise to work for the best, and fight against Genocide ideology. In his song ‘Rusatira Turibuka’, Dieudonné Munyanshoza talks about different places in Nyanza, specifically in Rusatira. The artiste remembers the names of the people who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in those specific areas. ‘Impore Mawe’ by Ishusho ft Mariya Yohana, Junior Rumaga, Emerance Bwiza, Serge Iyamuremye, Alfred Kwizera, Eric Mucyo, producer Ayoo Rash, producer Li John, Chris Hat, Kenny Mirasano was released on April 7. The song is about commemorating the Genocide. Dark as it was, the light finally came into sight. It sends a message of hope, as the artistes promise to keep Rwanda safe, wipe all the tears and, together, fight for what’s best for the country. ‘Umucyo’ by Pleasant and Precious, was released on April 7. “Umucyo means light,” they say. It is an original song dedicated to all Rwandans in these difficult times where we are mourning the lives lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. We pray that peace surpasses all understanding and the light of God may be in our hearts. We wish you divine comfort and courage. Much Love.” Sage Rwema Ineza starts his song ‘Sinarindiho’ by saying, “I was not yet born, and you were there but history goes nowhere. Dear parents, we share the sorrow and heartbreak with you though we didn’t see what you saw. We learnt that your parents and siblings were killed in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.” He goes on, “Please parents, tell us your history for we share the bond. Tell us your history we are all ears, we want to help you in your healing process.” Ineza says he used to ask his parents about his grandparents and other relatives, and was told that they were all killed in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. The 10-year old says that given his parents’ history and all their painful memories, asking them so many questions, can lead to further depression, but they should be strong and tell that story— that the younger generation may know the truth of what happened, so that history does not repeat itself.
