As bass legend Carol Kaye once said, bass is the foundation of music and good bass players have impeccable groove, fantastic tone, and are the life of the band. The contribution of bass guitar players in Rwanda’s music scene can easily be traced through the rise of live music in the country. In no particular way, we highlight some of the best bassists in Rwanda basing on their touch, artistes and bands they have worked with, and other music techniques. David Rusake David Rusake, a young brother of Raphael the drummer, one of the iconic drum players in Rwanda, is among the youngest guitarists that have worked with big artistes in Rwanda and on the African continent. The 20-year-old bassist has so far worked with Rema, the Mavins record star, Omah Lay, one of leading afro fusion artistes, as well as renowned local singers like Andy Bumuntu, Christopher, Masamba Intore and many others. Speaking to The New Times, Rusake said that his love for music started at a tender age, and was inspired by the likes of Marcus Miller, Richard Bona among other great guitar players of all time. At the age of 10, Rusake was playing guitar in his home church and at the same time a member of St Joseph Primary band. He is currently the main bass player of one of the best bands in Rwanda, The Target. Moses Zawadi Anyone who has heard Moses playing believes that he took bass playing to another level in Rwanda. He uses his touch to impress crowds everywhere in the world and is well known for his solo performances that impress music listeners. He worked extensively with Buravan, Jules Sentore, Masamba, Alyn Sano, and many other local artistes. Moses rose to stardom after touring 12 Francophone African countries as part of Buravan’s first continental musical tour. He was among the few Rwandan musicians that played live music with Run Town, Mercy Masaka of Kenya as well as Joyce Omondi. Moses is currently working with some of the biggest music bands in Nairobi, including Sauti Sol’s band. Etienne Ishimwe Ishimwe was still a teenager when he started playing with Rwanda’s leading band, Neptunez Band. His unique bass skills caught the ear of Kina Music stars and made him work on Knowles Butera’s recently released album dubbed Inzora and Nel Ngabo’s maiden album, ‘RNB 360’. Ishimwe has worked with big artistes such as Mbilia Bel, Slai of France, John Drille, Joe boy, Zahara among many others. He is regarded by his peers and the music industry as one of the top musicians in Rwanda today who have worked with top bands like Baino Band of Kenya and The Target. Arnaud Gasige Rwanda’s music industry got a taste of Gasige when he relocated to Rwanda from Burundi and joined J360 band. Gasige quickly rose to stardom after adding his bass touch to Malaika by Buravan and Katerina by Bruce Melodie. He is also one of the best music producers in Rwanda who have worked with different Rwandan musicians including Andy Bumuntu, Social Mulla, iconic gospel singer Aime Uwimana among others. Frank Mugisha To watch Mugisha play the four-string bass is to be in awe of his incredible prowess. His tone, note choices, time, groove, and a special sense for melody have made him one of the most loved guitarists in Rwanda. Mugisha is among the young boys and girls who established the Symphony band. He learnt bass guitar at Nyundo School of Arts and Music. He is the only bass player of Symphony band and one of the vocalists of the band. He has played for big musicians such as Adekunle Gold, Ric Hassani, Nel Ngabo among many others.
