PHOTOS: ‘Lost Souls’ art experience: A reflection of life and rediscovery

Samuel Daddy Ishimwe mostly known as Daddyisme, on Friday, July 22, organised an art experience under the theme ‘Lost Souls’ at Envision. “This is not an art exhibition nor a music performance at all, it is an art experience that combines so many different kinds of arts. I have a painting collection that will be exhibited later which features all the performers in the experience,” Daddysime explained. The artist added that the event focuses on questions like what the soul is and where lost souls go since we exist in a world where we make decisions based on what we believe is right but is not always our true self that makes these decisions; Aline Sano Shengero aka Alyn Sano entertaining the audience at the show. Craish Bahizi “In our world, outer influences such as society, familial and cultural expectations, and the environments in which we exist, create our identities for us, leading us further and further away from our true selves. Our subconscious is being nurtured, our inner passions and limitless potential, and then our souls get lost more often.” The Friday night art experience was a collection of artwork, songs, performances, and stories that reflect the struggles of a lost soul and the path to rediscovery. Darina Kayumba, second-runner up Miss Rwanda 2022, opened the stage with a poem that reminded people to never lower themselves, regardless of how lost they might be. Manzi Mbaya performed a kind of contapolaine dance that showcases the lives and struggles of the female street vendors. Later, Michael Makembe had his performance of traditional songs in some modern style of expression. Ariel Wayz also hit the stage and performed two songs including her latest, ‘Good Luck’ which she sang along with the revelers. While still on stage she said, “I choose to accept and love this creator I am. Acceptance of living the million ways to my destiny, despite my imperfection. I won’t be who I am not or who others want me to be. I am so tired of being anyone else, I am me and that is enough to be since it is what I can do better.” She was later joined by Daddyisme and together they performed their brand new song, ‘Question des choix’ which means ‘Question of choice’ which is part of their Extended Play and a specific painting. Alyn Sano who was the artist of honor in this experience performed her ‘Boom’ and ‘Fake Gee’ amongst others. She told The New Times that she has several projects coming soon, including international and local collabos. She also shared what this whole event means to her, “Being one of the very few artists in this means a lot to me and I am grateful for the platform. The concept of ‘Lost Souls’ is all about finding the normally hidden part of my gut and what I love most, which is music to me.” Every performance was in line with the event topic, including the stage, the contemporary dance, the traditional songs and dances, and the live painting of Bob Marley who sang of peace and unity. Manzi Mbaya acting as a Female Street Vendor, a gesture that surprised the audience - Photo by Craish Bahizi All the artists featured in this have been working with Daddyisme in so many different projects and he confirmed that they are all the best who could fit in and understood the project fully. Samuel Daddy Ishimwe is a set designer with 10 years of experience in art. He studied at Nyundo school of art and later did different internship projects in Asia and other countries in Africa. He has been preparing for this art experience since 2019. When asked about the events reception, he said that the feedback turned out to be so nice beyond his expectations and promised more events at Envision, on a monthly basis. Michael Makembe on stage during his solo performance - Photo by Craish Bahizi

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PHOTOS: ‘Lost Souls’ art experience: A reflection of life and rediscovery