Three-hundred Rwandan artistes are expected to attend civic education training (Itorero) later this month at Nkumba Peace and Leadership Training Centre in Burera District, according to the National Itorero Commission (NIC).

The two-week training is meant to remind the artistes about their role in national development through their messages.

Speaking to The New Times last week, Boniface Rucagu, the chairman of National Itorero Commission, said they have organised the training to promote a positive influence of music on people’s behaviour and national development.

"Music is regarded highly due to its influence on people’s behaviour. The message from musicians can build or destroy a community. Musicians need to observe discipline and values in their career. When the message in a song is bad, it will affect the people. Musicians must produce positive products that contribute to the development of the country,” he said.

"Everything done without values and discipline is useless. Artistes should mind their conduct because many people look up to them. It is shameful to see boys wearing sagging trousers and young women moving half naked in public. All of these illustrate the lack of values and discipline because physical appearance tells a lot about someone even before uttering a word.”

During the training, the artistes will learn about Rwandan values, self-reliance and patriotism.

After the training, we expect products with constructive content, Rucagu said. Artistes react

Eric Senderi, alias Senderi International Hit, said the training will be helpful with regard to the development of Rwanda’s music industry.

"The training is an opportunity to sit together and find solutions to challenges currently facing the local music industry. In my music, I tried to compose some songs about Rwandan values such as Agaciro, Ndi Umunyarwanda and Intore Ntiganya. Through our songs, we can promote the country’s development agenda,” Senderi said.

"The training will be the time to rebuke musicians who have forgotten our values in favour of foreign cultures. We will have the time to discuss how we can use our talents to positively impact the lives of the people,” he added.

Thaddee Irabizi, also known as Edouce, said civic training will help them to reflect on their career and their role in national development.

"Civic training shapes people’s behaviour. Music plays a big role in people’s lives and our songs should make a difference. We have to avoid the influence of negative foreign cultures because we have our values to uphold,” Educe said.

The training comes on the heels of a similar one for the Rwandan Diaspora students concluded last weekend at Gabiro School of Infantry in the Eastern Province’s Gatsibo District.

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