After years living abroad, traditional musician Yvan Muziki is set to reconnect with his Rwandan audience with a Kigali concert that will also mark the launch of his maiden album, Inganzo Ntahangarwa. The concert is scheduled for February 13 at Kigali Universe. Yvan said the 15-track album has been in production for more than a year and a half, blending culture, love, and heritage. Four songs—Urugo Ruhire, Intare Batinya, I’m in Love, and Muhaguruke Yaje—have already been released, while 11 new tracks will be unveiled during the album launch. “This is not an album I decided to do in a hurry. I have worked on it for a year and a half,” he told The New Times. Yvan Muziki began his music career at the age of 14 while living in Burundi, before moving to Rwanda and later relocating to Belgium. “It feels like a homecoming,” he said. “The inspiration brings together our culture and love, and the sound is not just mine—it represents all of us.” One of the standout tracks on the album is Intare Batinya which, Yvan said, is dedicated to President Paul Kagame as a tribute and a sign of honour. The album features collaborations with some of Rwanda’s most respected traditional and contemporary artistes, including Kidum Kibido, Massamba Intore, Jules Sentore, and Marina—all of whom are expected to perform at the concert. “We have been preparing for this concert for days, and I look forward to celebrating with everyone who loves Rwandan culture,” he said. Yvan also revealed that Inganzo Ntahangarwa includes a joint track bringing together all the artistes featured on the album. Beyond the album, he praised the growing appreciation of Gakondo music, describing it as one of the country’s most celebrated genres. “Gakondo is among the top and most loved genres in Rwanda right now, and it’s moving in the right direction,” he said. He further disclosed plans for a long-term project aimed at blending Gakondo with modern musical elements, while creating consistent performance platforms for traditional artistes. “The idea is to perform every weekend and create a space where Rwandan Gakondo artistes can meet and showcase their talent,” he said. Yvan said his decision to settle permanently in Rwanda was influenced by missed opportunities while living abroad. “I’m coming back for good. There were investors looking for me, but things couldn’t move forward because I wasn’t around. That played a big role in my decision.” Tickets for the concert are already on sale, priced at Rwf 25,000 for a single ticket, Rwf 40,000 for a couple, and Rwf 500,000 for a table of six.
