Musician Massamba Intore won’t be performing at Rwanda Convention USA in Dallas, Texas, as earlier scheduled after national ballet Urukerereza, which he heads, was invited to perform in Japan on July 4. The cultural troupe will perform in Osaka, the city hosting the 2025 World Expo, a global event held every five years, where countries and organizations across the globe come together to showcase innovations in technology, culture, and solutions to societal challenges, with the aim of inspiring deeper cultural collaboration. The Osaka Expo is underway on the Yumeshima Island since April 13 and will run through October 13. Massamba will travel with Urukerereza troupe to Japan for what will be their first performance in the Asian country. The performance will take place at Rwanda’s pavilion on July 4 on the occasion of the celebration of Liberation Day. The ‘Kanjogera’ singer was among artistes confirmed to perform at the Rwanda Convention USA scheduled for July 4-6 at Irving Convention Center in Texas but he was made to withdraw from the lineup after it coincided with Urukerereza’s trip to Japan. He told The New Times that he had no choice but the skip the US performance to attend to the “national call of duty” in Japan. ALSO READ: Rwanda Convention USA adds Kevin Kade, Element to star-studded lineup As Rwanda prepares to celebrate Kwibohora 31, Massamba said the Japan performance provides valuable exposure where culture speaks volumes about the country’s historic journey and its ambitious national plans. “This is a call of duty I couldn’t turn down,” he said, adding that Intore, now recognized by UNESCO, debuting in Japan is something worth celebrating. “We’re going to brand the country by promoting and showcasing Made in Rwanda products at Rwanda’s pavilion.” Reflecting on what it means for the national ballet to perform in Japan for the first time, Massamba said, “It’s indeed a great opportunity to showcase our culture and the significance it holds.” “Many people still hold a negative image of our country due to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, but the story has changed. This is a new market, and we aim to make the most of it by presenting what the current Rwanda truly offers, particularly the culture that has the Ubutore spirit, which everyone will recognize through our dance.” “Celebrating Kwibohora 31 through cultural dance and other performances sends a direct message—Rwanda is a strong nation. You cannot separate the two,” he added. Urukerereza troupe will select 15 Intore dancers for the Japan performance at the event during which Rwandans and friends of Rwanda from all over the world were invited to participate.
