If there’s one thing currently taking social media by storm in Kigali, it’s a video of Rwandan Gakondo artiste Ruti Joel dancing to his viral track 'Cyane'. The song, a vibrant fusion of traditional Rwandan sounds and West African Afrobeat, showcases Ruti’s evolving artistry and commitment to pushing Gakondo to a global audience. Fondly known as “Rumata” by his music supporters, Ruti was performing at the opening day of the Giants of Africa Festival in Kigali, where he performed alongside some of Africa’s biggest music acts, including South Africa’s Uncle Waffles. For the first time, Ruti’s performance carried the theme “Traditional Meets Modern”, blending breakdance, contemporary movement, and Rwanda’s own Guhamiriza in a powerful, high-energy showcase. The performance paid homage to cultural heritage while engaging with the present moment in both sound and movement. Introducing Rutakisha What surprised many during the show was Ruti’s live debut of an unreleased track titled Rutakisha, which marked a noticeable evolution from his debut album Musomandera, leaning more heavily into modern genres while still maintaining strong roots in Rwandan tradition. Speaking to The New Times, Ruti revealed that Rutakisha is not just a single. It is also the name of his upcoming 10-track joint album produced in collaboration with his long-time guitarist Clement, under the Agura Group Management. “All 10 tracks are complete and ready. They will be released across all major streaming platforms in August. With this project, my goal is to introduce Gakondo music to an international audience,” Ruti said in an interview. ALSO READ: A chat with Ruti Joel He further explained that, while Musomandera centered on themes of love, Rutakisha shifts focus to patriotism and resilience. “I performed Rutakisha at Giants of Africa. The song means patriotism and the fighting spirit to protect one’s country,” Ruti said, adding, “I’m putting my fight into music — to create awareness. The inspiration came from the recent attacks our country experienced, especially those linked to the DRC conflict.” New Ruti, new sound Unlike his previous work, Ruti noted that Rutakisha is an ambitious fusion of traditional Rwandan instrumentation with modern rhythms and storytelling. The themes range from cultural pride to the complexities of love and identity in a changing world. Ruti also hinted at an upcoming music video for Rutakisha, currently in production, and teased a third album in the works, scheduled for release next year. “This is the new Ruti,” he said. “We are even fusing traditional and modern dance moves to capture the international market. It’s not just about the sound — it’s the full cultural experience.”
