Rwandan traditional singer Clarisse Karasira has revealed that she is preparing to release her highly anticipated album titled ‘Bakundwa’ which means –‘beloved’. The mother of one currently in the U.S, shared the message to her followers via her Instagram account with a captions, “Bakundwa- Dear beloved here are the songs on the album-Bakundwa.” “These songs were given to me in a miraculous way and I hope they will reach your hearts. They bring a message of life, direction, comfort, counsel, wisdom and divinity to us.” Comprising 10 soul-stirring songs, the masterpiece goes anti-clockwise in an era dominated by modern beats and digital soundscapes, where the world of traditional music often finds itself overshadowed. Her decision to infuse the album with these elements holds great significance in Rwandan culture. ALSO READ: Rwandan music youngsters ready to make history in Bujumbura Speaking to The New Times, she said 'Bakundwa' is a unique album holding a strong message, with a unique collection of songs, it embraces our unique traditional style, in acoustic style, incorporating traditional elements and centering on the beauty of Africans' underrated life. Clarisse Karasira chose to title her album Bakundwa because of her deep affection for the word and its connection to her relationship with her fans. In her own words, she revealed that she often uses 'Bakundwa' as a term of endearment when addressing her loyal supporters. The word holds a special place in my heart and reflects the strong bond I share with my fans, she said. The singer currently works under her husband's new music company called -The Creative Starts' she said “I drew the inspiration from the richness of Rwandan culture and Africans' general lifestyle. Each track is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia, taking listeners on a journey through the vivid imagery of everyday life. Karasira's dedication to authenticity and heartfelt storytelling has music enthusiasts eagerly awaiting to release her masterpiece next month and is expecting an introspective and soul-stirring experience. The album launch will be a platform for showcasing the beauty and depth of Rwandan traditional music, allowing listeners mostly Rwandans to connect with their cultural roots as well as fostering a sense of cultural pride, promote understanding and appreciation of Rwandan traditions and build bridges between communities worldwide. she said. Born in 1997 and raised in Masaka sector in Kicukiro district, Kigali City, She draws inspiration from her idols including iconic Cecile Kayirebwa, Anonciata Mutamuriza commonly known as 'Kamaliza' and South African singer Zenzile Miriam Makeba nicknamed' Mama Africa'. Karasira embarked on her professional career in 2018, with her single debut ‘Ntizagushuke’, and proved that her talent would not be short-lived. With a voice that resonates with depth and emotion, she skillfully weaves together melodies that capture the essence of human experiences, from love and loss to resilience and joy. The third album after ‘Inama y’Umutima’ and ‘Mama Africa’, the upcoming musical masterpiece not only pays homage to the rich heritage of traditional music but also showcases Kararissa's captivating vocals and her deep connection to her cultural roots.
