MULTI-GRAMMY nominated American musician Vasti Jackson is using his brand new song ‘Rwandaful’ to share his memorable and beautiful experience that he had when he visited Rwanda last year. The singer was in Rwanda in November, last year with the aim to understand the local industry, and give his contribution in building bridges between American and Rwandan artistes, and the music industry professionals in both countries. He was at the time invited by Africa in Colors to experience the Rwandan culture, and share his skills with Rwandan music artists, learn from them and use the opportunity to inspire the young Rwandan generation of music artists to make music that exceeds one market. His stay left memories that he, as a musician, thought he could share with the music world, the beauty of Rwanda and its diversity, from the people, culture, nature and hospitality. “The idea was inspired by the beautiful people of Rwanda, and Rwanda’s beautiful nature. Every area fed my soul. The air, the sun, the rain, the grass, the trees, etc. Everywhere I went I was nourished,” the singer told The New Times before adding: ‘Thank you for making me feel like I returned home for the very first time.” The singer spoke of how connected he was to the African culture and how he fell in love with a culture which he believes is associated with every African-American. “When visiting Rwanda, I encountered their culture, and it spoke to me so much. Their music connected with a place deep in my soul where the sounds of my grandmother, and grandfather live. The African culture speaks not only to me but to many African-Americans,” he explained. All these inspired Vasti Jackson, together with local artists, to produce a song, whose collaboration will be a starting point to creating bridges between the Rwandan music scene and that of the United States of America. The music brought also attention to a Grammy Award winning mastering engineer David Farrell, who put his Midas touch to the song audio. “The roots of blues, rap, rock and roll, funk and jazz are African. “Rwandaful” is a reconciliation for me with my African roots, musically” he said. Vasti described the song collaboration as a great beginning for future and further collaborations between upcoming artists from the African market and those from the American market, known or not. “It will also open opportunities for African artists, and attractions,” he said.
