The inaugural Rubavu Music Awards and Talent Detection initiative has been launched to recognize outstanding artistes and boost the entertainment scene in the North-Western city. The music industry in Rubavu has been lacking the vibe it used to have before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Fredy Ruterana, the Managing Director of Future Novelty Company which is organising the awards, insists the awards can make an impact in bringing the entertainment in Rubavu back to its feet. Artistes were reasonably discouraged because the music industry in this town has significantly been up and down,” admits Ruterana. The current environment for artists in Rubavu lacks promotion, which is what we aim to address, ensuring that their music gains visibility. He stressed that the Rubavu music industry has been hampered by a lack of opportunities and sufficient investment. The awards were welcomed by different stakeholders in the entertainment industry in Rubavu, considering that they can play a role in promoting new talents in the area. Brother Vital Ringuyeneza, the Executive Director of Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle (VJN), a local stakeholder partnering with Rubavu District to promote music, culture, and sports, believes that the new initiative will empower local artists to recognize their talent as a potential source of income. We want to support entertainment activities in Rubavu and ensure artists understand the economic value of their talent, he explained. These awards are specifically for artistes, demonstrating that talent extends beyond sports like football. Ringuyeneza highlighted that the lack of awards has been posing a challenge for artists in Rubavu, and hopes that the launch of the Rubavu Music Award and Talent Detection Initiative can potentially bring the town’s entertainment back to life. According to organisers, the wards will recognize artistes in 12 categories including Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, and Best Group, among others. Rubavu artistes upbeat Jean Marie Vianney Imanizabayo, a member of The Same duo, welcomed the initiative as a game-changer within industry which has been struggling to pick up. He expressed hope that the awards will revive entertainment not just in Rubavu but in the entire country at large. “As The Same, we expect to be recognized as a group that has been representing Rubavu District for more than 14 years in the music industry,” said Imanizabayo. The awards ceremony, featuring prominent national artists yet to be announced, is expected to take place in May during a major concert in the tourism and business hub. The winners will be decided by the voting process which will involve media professionals (50%) and fans (50%). Voting commences on Wednesday, April 30. Since 2022, Rubavu District has been setting aside at least Rwf 60 million annually to support the development of the music, culture, and sports sectors. This is a significant motivation for talent detection and promotion, stated Isdore Ntawumenya, Youth, Sports, and Culture Promotion in Rubavu District, while commenting on the awards.
