Five local artistes jetted out of the country yesterday, ahead of the 6th edition of Rwanda Day, scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia on September 20.

King James, Sophie Nzayisenga, Jules Sentore, Diana Teta and Intore Masamba are the main entertainers at this year’s event.

Intore Masamba

He is a renowned Rwandan traditional artiste and founder of the Gakondo group. His lyrics in Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili coupled with unique singing style have endeared him to many over the years.

"I’m grateful for this opportunity, and we promise participants great performances and beautiful Rwandan music that will make them miss home,” said Masamba.

He promised to perform Uzabatashye and Jenga Taifa, among his popular songs.

Uzabatashye by Intore Masamba. Source: Masamba Intore/Youtube

For Masamba, his music presents an opportunity to raise awareness about Rwanda’s beautiful culture. It also provides a medium for communicating messages of peace, love and unity.

As a performing musician, Masamba has graced several stages around the world, and is a regular entertainer at the annual Rwanda Day event. Masamba is the son of Rwanda’s greatest cultural singer Athanase Sentore, who passed away in 2013.

King James

Rwandan superstar King James, aka James Ruhumuriza, is definitely the one to watch. This Primus Guma Guma season two winning 24-year-old is very busy and it almost feels like he is making new music daily.

Yaciye ibintu by King James. Source: Afrifame/Youtube

King James is currently ruling the airwaves with hit singles, such as Yaciye ibintu, and Ndagutegereje. He has also performed with big names in the industry, and graced stages in Europe.

Sophie Nzayisenga

Nzayisenga is the first female player of the Inanga, a large tough-zither instrument, a vocalist, and composer. Her father, Thomas Kirusu, was one of the most prominent Inanga players in Rwanda, and at a very young age, he began to teach Nzayisenga.

Nzayisenga has since promoted the role of the Inanga in traditional Rwandan music, as well as in international formations in Malawi, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. She divides her time as a performer and teacher of the Inanga, sharing its repertoire and history with a new generation of people interested in learning about this most exquisite instrument.

Diana Teta

Teta is a budding singer in the mainstream and traditional music industry. She is the female behind the hit song, Fata Fata, and the only female in Gakondo group. Teta was among the finalists at the just concluded Primus Guma Guma Superstar, an annual singing competition sponsored by Bralirwa’s Primus lager.

Fata Fata Remix By Diana Teta. Source: Afrifame/Youtube

"This is going to be my first time to perform at the Rwanda Day, and I’m truly thrilled. I’ve been rehearsing since I was told that I would be among the entertainers and I’m ready to deliver the best I can on stage,” said Teta.

In 2013, the 21-year-old auditioned for the Tusker Project Fame but didn’t make it to the final auditions in Nairobi.

Jules Sentore

Sentore is a traditional artiste and a member of the Gakondo group. He is famous for tunes, such as Undatsikira and Ingera. Sentore was among the 10 finalists at this year’s Primus Guma Guma Superstar. He is a grandson of the late traditional music icon Sentore.

The local artistes will perform alongside US based - Rwandan trio of K8 Kavuyo, The Ben, and Meddy, famous for the song, Ndi Uw’i Kigali.

Ndi Uw'i Kigali Meddy, The Ben and K8 Kavuyo. Source: Rwanda Music Awards 2013/Youtube

Under the theme Agaciro-Our Choice, the event will be graced by President Paul Kagame as the guest of honor, along with high-level delegates, Rwandans based in the USA and friends of Rwanda.

The event will be concluded by Umuganura, a traditional celebration of Rwanda’s achievements and its shared vision for a more cohesive, peaceful and prosperous future.

entertainment@newtimes.co.rw