Musician Victor Rukotana has, for the past two to three years, been regarded as a cowling baby in Gakondo music. He is now showing signs of taking over since releasing ‘Imararungu’ album, his first full-length project since launching his career in music in 2018. Rukotana’s 10-track album is not just a “regular release.” “It is a “deliberate movement to preserve and elevate the Gakondo genre,” he told The New Times. According to the artiste, Imararungu album is deeply rooted in Rwandan culture, primarily through the use of traditional instruments and themes. One of the standout aspects of the album is its recurring motif: the cow. In Rwanda, cows are more than just livestock; they symbolize wealth, wisdom, and cultural pride, representing the country’s rich history in selective breeding and traditional values. ALSO READ: ‘Inyambo diplomacy’: Foreign leaders Kagame gifted cows The album comprises tracks like Juru, Amatage, Inyange, U Rwanda, Kumuyange, Inka Ni Imararungu, Hozana, Inyambo, Yampayinka, and Munyana, all of which celebrate Rwandan heritage in distinct ways. Rukotana has carefully crafted a sound that connects him with fans who cherish traditional music while also appealing to a wider audience through modern production techniques and this can be randomly reviewed through songs available on this melodic discography. The first song on the album is “Juru,” a love track where the singer describes his lover as someone who completes his desires and affections. He portrays her as uniquely heavenly and expresses his wish to introduce her to his parents, for the beginning of their forever together. Next track on the album is Amatage which is based on a true story from the singer’s friend. The song narrates the experience of a man who has been separated from the love of his life for almost 15 years. Despite talking to her every day, they have not seen each other. Rukotana expresses the man’s frustration, saying, “sometimes days are not good, and I hate them, for they have kept me apart from my lover.” He also laments the pain of loneliness and deeply misses his beloved, who shares a fondness for cows and milk too. U Rwanda is a standout track featuring the repeated phrase “Iyo Manzi” referring to extraordinary people. In its 2:53 minutes, the song highlights such figures while indirectly praising President Paul Kagame and others who have made Rwanda a model nation. It celebrates the country’s achievements in development, women’s empowerment, tourism, security, and cleanliness, encouraging everyone to visit Rwanda at least once in their lifetime. Getting deeper into the album, we encounter the deep-rooted song ‘Inka Nimararungu’, the song that highlights cultural significance of cows in Rwanda as a symbol of companionship, identity, and the sign of covenant friendship among Rwandans. The artiste emphasizes that receiving a cow represents prosperity, blessings, and stability, making it one of Rwanda’s most treasured symbols. In the ninth song, Inyambo, the singer praises Inyambo cow as a symbol of love, nourishment, and near-human significance. He extends this symbolism to express gratitude to key figures who have supported his career, including former and first manager Uncle Austin, Alex Muyoboke, current manager Jean Aime Ishimwe alias No Brainer, fellow musician The Ben, businessman Sadate Munyakazi and Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe among many more. Rukotana appreciates them in the song, referring to their support as a gift of Inyambo cow. ALSO READ: Why ‘Gakondo’ might be the future of Rwandan music Rukotana’s decision to fully embrace Gakondo is not a random shift but a return to his roots. Born Victor Mporera, the singer inherited his musical passion from his grandfather who was in his nature passionate about traditional music and dance. The the Ngoma-born musician’s artistic journey began at a tender age, shaped by a family deeply engaged in both Christian and cultural music. Moving to Kigali in 2014, Rukotana pursued his music career with unwavering determination. Initially collaborating with his brother and friends, he later ventured into a solo career in 2018. Though he experimented with various genres, releasing songs like Sweet Love, Promise, Warumagaye, Se Agapo, Kideyo, Love and more, he ultimately found his true calling in Gakondo music. Under his current management, Rukotana is determined to make a lasting impact in the industry. He believes that, with the right packaging and modern touch, traditional Rwandan music can go places. “First of all, I love traditional music a lot. It is where my heart is and that is where it begins and ends for me. I love traditional music, and I believe it will take me where I want to be as an artist,” he said. The album is available across his digital platforms, Audio Mack, YouTube and more.
