Alyn Sano, a talented artiste with dreams of stepping into the global realm, has launched her debut album, 'Rumuri,’ which she describes as a transformative bridge to showcase Rwandan music on a global scale. She describes her album as unique, original, and historical. Known by her stage name Alyn Sano, she expressed in an interview with The New Times that music has had a profound impact on her life, encompassing physical, mental, spiritual, and financial aspects. Ever since I graduated from university, I cannot envision myself in any other pursuit besides music. It has been instrumental in helping me survive and grow, she shared, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to the music industry. The highly anticipated album, 'Rumuri,' meaning 'Light,' was released today June 23. When asked about the timing of her first album after five years in the industry, Alyn Sano disclosed the numerous challenges she faced during its production since 2019. However, she firmly believes that the present moment is the perfect opportunity to unveil the album to the world. Curious about the inspiration behind the album's title, 'Rumuri,' Alyn Sano explained, At times, we encounter extremely unpleasant situations that make us feel as though life is coming to an end. We experience depression, lose hope, and find ourselves surrounded by darkness. In such moments, seeking external solutions may lead to disbelief in our own ability to overcome those circumstances. I came to realize that the solutions lie within ourselves. There is always a way to solve our problems, and I refer to these solutions as the light. Light has the power to dispel darkness. Alyn Sano further emphasized that each individual possesses their own light, which can shine brightly in various ways. She chooses to illuminate hers through singing, her natural gift. The album aims to empower and inspire listeners, encouraging them to maintain a positive outlook and embrace their innate beauty. Comprising 13 songs, including 'Inshuti,' 'Lioness,' 'Mama,' 'Positive,' 'Mwiza,' 'Mariya,' 'Umwihariko,' 'Sakwe Sakwe,' 'Kuki,' 'Why,' 'Rumuri,' 'Warakoze,' and 'Bohoka,' the album features contributions from different producers. Alyn Sano revealed that collaborating with her brother, Sano Panda, was particularly effortless due to their natural connection. Sano Panda produced the sole love song on the album, 'Umwihariko.' Apart from this collaboration, the remaining 12 songs are deeply personalized stories, with Alyn Sano intentionally exploring her vulnerability by penning them herself. When asked about the selection process for the album's songs, Alyn Sano explained that a unique signature guided her choices, enabling her to include certain songs on the album. This signature focused on conveying a profound light, message, and enduring impact. I created different kinds of songs to address various aspects of life, appealing to all age groups and genders. Through my album, I shared my vulnerabilities, singing about everyday situations that reflect social life, Alyn Sano expressed. She collaborated with one artiste, Kivumbi King, in the song 'Why,' showcasing her admiration for him as one of her favorite rappers. Additionally, she collaborated with the women of Nkombo in the empowering anthem 'Lioness,' celebrating the achievements and resilience of women. During an exclusive interview with The New Times, Alyn Sano revealed her aspirations for the far-reaching impact of her album. I want people to remember it. I want it to have a natural impact on people's lives, not because of extensive promotion. I desire for all the songs to find their way into people's hearts, creating a lasting place for themselves. That is the ultimate goal I aim to achieve with my album, she expressed passionately. Addressing the issue of depression prevalent among herself and fellow artistes due to society's demanding standards for public figures, Alyn Sano acknowledged that her unwavering passion for music kept her moving forward despite the challenges. For further insights into the album and to catch a glimpse of Alyn Sano's creative journey, be sure to watch the accompanying video, providing an immersive experience into the world of 'Rumuri.' With 'Rumuri,' Alyn Sano's remarkable talent and dedication to her craft are set to transcend borders, propelling Rwandan music onto the global stage. As she blazes her own trail, she invites listeners to embrace their own inner light and join her on this transformative musical odyssey.
