Entertainment: Rastafarian music; Holly Jah Doves

Holly Jah Doves is one of the few Reggae bands in Rwanda. All the members relate to the Rastafarian faith, which explains why they play reggae music mainly. The band started their music journey as a group in as early as 2003. All the pioneer solo members like Ras Ngabo and Ras Kimeza were already known musicians for the years before. The reggae band has recorded three music albums, with the latest, ‘Nyirabisabo’ still in the studio. They are also prominent for playing live music when performing both their own songs and when playing other artists’ reggae songs during karaoke. When you first meet Ras Mike, one of the rhythm guitarists, you recognize passionate talent as he sings Bob Marley’s songs almost to perfection. Mike says that he was inspired by the legendary singer. Unlike many other artists, Holly Jah Doves do not do only music. They have a long history of being involved in charitable works. They were one of the chief performers at the Bob Marley memorial concert on 11th May, this year. The concert had been organized to collect funds to help the Japanese tsunami survivors. They also made the “Darfur” album in mid 2000s in a bid to de-campaign the violence and killings that characterized the Sudanese regions by then. The reggae albums also included the voices of famed artists like Miss Jojo and Rafiki. According to the lead percussionist, Kimeza, the seasoned band will work with other voluntary parties to organize other gigs in this month of May, to get more funds for the Tsunami survivors. Holly Jah Doves members say that they meet challenges in their career because they play live music which is hard to facilitate. “Music promoters in Rwanda do not have enough money to contract live performers,” says Ras Kimeza. “This is one reason why you will rarely see us in local concerts.” However, the Rastafarian band is fond of organizing its own concerts. Ends