Rwandan vocalist, singer, and songwriter Alyn Sano has made her mark on the music scene with the release of her debut album titled 'Rumuri.' This album, which she says defines her as 'The Light,' aims to showcase her talent to a global audience. With 13 songs, all released on June 23, the album has been creating a buzz on digital music platforms and on the streets as well. I took the time, a week to be precise, to review the album from my own perspective. Let's start with the first and longest track on the album, 'Inshuti,' a 4:44-minute piece produced by Bob Pro. This song celebrates the bond of best friends, emphasizing their unwavering support and understanding. Alyn Sano expresses her gratitude to her friend, saying, I love you dear, I love you a lot. You are not only a friend in need, you are indeed a friend. The slow tempo of the track requires careful attention to appreciate the heartfelt lyrics. It serves as a reminder to cherish and express our love to our close friends. Surprisingly, this is my fourth favorite song on the album, but keep reading to discover the others. The second track, 'Lioness,' is a 2:58-minute collaboration song between Alyn Sano and a group of fisher-women called Abasaamyi ba Nkombo. Beginning with poetic introductions by the women, Sano joins them in praising the power and resilience of women. The song highlights the beauty and strength of women, even in challenging circumstances. The influence of traditional musical instruments, indicative of Michael Makembe's production, adds depth to the track. It serves as an empowering anthem for women, emphasizing their ability to multitask and overcome obstacles. Moving on to the third track, 'Positive,' a 3:41-minute song with an 'Amapiano' style of production, grabs attention with its captivating beats. Produced by DevyDenko Duction and Kevin Klein, the song encourages listeners to celebrate life and maintain a positive outlook, no matter the challenges. With minimal lyrics and a focus on the infectious beats, this track is perfect for dancing and enjoying the club scene. Next up is 'Mwiza,' a 3:46-minute song produced by Santana Sauce. Alyn Sano's deep voice introduces us to a girl who constantly seeks validation and compares herself to others on social media. The artiste urges girls to embrace their unique beauty and not succumb to societal pressure. It is a powerful message, reminding listeners that they don't need to conform to unrealistic standards set by social media. This track serves as a much-needed confidence booster for young girls. The fifth song on the album is 'Mariya,' a 3:35-minute piece produced by Prince Kiiizi. It tells the story of a curious teenager in a rural area, enticed by the allure of adulthood and relationships. Despite warnings from her elder sisters, Mariya refuses to listen. This song raises awareness about the dangers of teenage pregnancies and the need for guidance and caution. Although it would have been fitting to place 'Mwiza' after 'Mariya' since the former could be seen or heard as a follow-up to the latter. The sixth song, 'Umwihariko,' is the only love song on the album. This 3:35-minute track, produced by Sano Panda, showcases Alyn Sano's brother's production skills. It sets a romantic and nostalgic tone, capturing the unique bond between lovers who found each other against all odds. With its slow and melodic instruments, this song is a beautiful choice for weddings and romantic occasions. 'Sakwe Sakwe,' the seventh song on the album, is a 3:17-minute track that has already garnered attention with its repetitive statements. Some refer to it as 'Mpore' or 'Ndeka.' Alyn Sano cautions those who meddle in other people's affairs, urging them to let individuals be themselves. The song blends traditional and modern elements seamlessly, incorporating influences from Yeah Man and Meira Pro. It also impresses with its unconventional ending, featuring a poetic introduction typically performed by male artists in Rwanda. This unique touch adds to the song's appeal. Number eight on the tracklist is 'Kuki,' a 3:26-minute song produced by Kenny Vybz. Personally, this is the song I relate to the most on the album. It narrates my own experience of not having the love, care, and sympathy of a father who passed away when I was only three months old. Alyn Sano shares a similar story, connecting with listeners who have lost loved ones but choose to carry on their legacies. 'Kuki' is a poignant tribute that invites us to stay strong and honor the memories of those we have lost. The ninth song, 'Why,' lasting 3:50 minutes, is also produced by Kenny Vybz and features Kivumbi King. It explores the theme of failure and the role of encouragement from mothers and other influential figures in overcoming challenges. 'Why' prompts us to reflect on the reasons behind our failures and the motivations that keep us going. Song number ten, 'Rumuri,' is the title track of the album, clocking in at 3:45 minutes. Produced by Pastor P, it embodies the essence of traditional dance music. This track holds deep significance as it symbolizes the artist's understanding that life often presents us with challenging circumstances that may make us feel lost and surrounded by darkness. However, Alyn Sano's message is one of resilience and self-discovery. She encourages listeners to tap into their inner light to overcome even the most difficult situations. The eleventh song, 'Warakoze,' is a 4:37-minute track that serves as a thanksgiving song and praises God for unwavering support during times of hardship. It reminds us that despite life's challenges, God remains in control, and all glory and honor belong to Him. Produced by Eddie Mico and Action, this track resonates with gospel music enthusiasts. 'Bohoka,' the twelfth song, is a 4:26-minute motivational tune produced by Prince Kiiizi. It has quickly become my second favorite on the album. 'Bohoka' inspires listeners to always strive for the best and work hard towards a brighter future, regardless of life's hardships. It encourages us to surprise those who doubt our abilities, make our supporters proud, and remain humble in all circumstances. The song's catchy lyrics make it a perfect choice for dancing and celebrating personal achievements. The thirteenth and final song, 'Mama,' is a 3:35-minute track produced by The Major. It strikes a chord with those fortunate enough to have had mothers in their lives, capturing the emotions and deep love we feel for them. The song appreciates the unending love of mothers and acknowledges the sacrifices they make. It particularly resonates with individuals raised by single mothers, who assumed both the roles of mom and dad. 'Mama' holds a special place in my heart as my third favorite song on the album. This album not only sets the stage for Rwandan music to leave its mark on a global scale but also resonates with the late Yvan Buravan's musical style. Alyn Sano's deep understanding of the transformative power of music is evident as she pours her heart and soul into this beautifully crafted project. It serves as an invitation for listeners to embrace their inner strength and embark on a journey that encompasses various aspects of the human experience. The overwhelming positive response to this album solidifies its status as a remarkable piece of art. While I would personally rate it 8 out of 10, deducting 2 points for its lack of upbeat rhythms like the beloved song Radiyo, it remains a well-written chef-d'oeuvre.
