In a bid to promote the talent of Rwanda’s young artists, on 2nd November, the Ministry of Sports and Culture organised an art competition at Petite-State, Amahoro.

The art competition brought together Rwandan artists encapsulating different forms of art mediums from music, dance, sculpture and painting artists.

The art competition was the first of its kind and a series of these competitions are yet to be organized. The competition attracted international judges as well as artists from around the world.

Five Rwandan Judges (professional artists), determined the winners. The competition was very stiff and artists had to leave ‘no stone unturned’ to lease the judges.

Ivuka Art’s young painters emerged victorious on average taking the best five positions.

Collin Ssekajugo was the best painter followed by Mazimpaka Jean Pierre, Innocent Nkurunziza, Richard Karekezi and Morris Munyanah.

Nevertheless, the art competition was a huge event that lacked public awareness. This lack of interest from the public and some of the organisers did not amuse many of the artists. 

"These competitions are very important when it comes to promoting art in Rwanda. However, the lack of publicity and awareness is what is keeping young artists in the dark. We exist and are progressing in the art world,” Innocent Nkurunziza one of the painting artists emphasized.

The ‘Holy Jah Doves’ was one of the performing musicians that tuned the audience to their reggae beats.

Inshoza Dancing Troupe donned their contemporary dance skills and did their thing.  They danced in moves that would break any rigid bones, at the same time portraying their message to the audience.

Rwanda is a country with a rich -authentic culture and the world needs to explore it. However, there is need for more publicity and interest from fellow Rwandans, if young Rwandan artists are to succeed.

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