Various local artists have launched a forum called ‘Kunda Umuziki Nyarwanda’, at a big concert that attracted many at the Petit Stade, Remera.

The forum led by Alex Muyoboke, aims at promoting local artists on the national and international music scene.

The president of the forum, Muyoboke, told The New Times that the huge concert, invited different personnel in politics and the business community, to explore opportunities that can develop Rwanda’s music industry.

"We wanted to show that there is an unexplored industry in Rwanda, develop respect among artists and to remind the public that they deserve respect,” Muyoboke said. He also said that this artist’s forum would advocate for artists rights that include protection from piracy.

To highlight their plight, over a 100 artists and their local fans, started the day by walking  from Kigali Business centre (KBC) to Petit Stade, a distance of almost 2km’s.  

The concert attracted both upcoming and popular artists, each performing two songs in a variety of styles.

Artists who graced the forum launch included veteran artist, Masamba Intore, two times PAM Award winner Queen Ally, Rafiki, Family Squad, and Kigali Boys (KGB).

Others included the up coming medicine student, RnB star Tom Close, Miss JOJO, Senderi, Seargent Robert, and KNC.

About 100 artists have been registered in the forum and 60 of them actually performed at the concert that started at 3:00 pm until dawn.

The concert attracted international journalists including the BBC.

Music and dance plays an important role in Rwandan tradition.

The Rwandan people have a variety of music and dance which ranges from acts that demonstrate epics, commemorating excellence and bravery.

The finest model of Rwanda’s varied and dynamic traditional musical and dance styles, however, remains the Intore Dancer.

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