They say music is a universal language used not just for entertainment, but also to teach, preach and reach people’s minds, hearts and spirits all over the world.

For T-Rock Saxo, born Jean Twagirayezu, this is the time to promote the spirit of Pan-Africanism and build a united and stronger Africa.

A week ago, the budding artiste walked into The Sound, a music studio in Kigali and recorded Marekani (America), which has already enjoyed radio airplay in the country.  

Using inspiring Kiswahili and Kinyarwanda lyrics, coupled with great vocal expression, T-Rock attempts to discourage Africans against the lure of moving to the US supposedly for a better life, talking about the wealth of Africa and condemning neo-colonialism, slave trade, brain drain, culture erosion, among other issues that affect Africa negatively.

The ‘pan’African’ song is a departure from the love songs T-Rock Saxo has been known for since starting out in May 2014.

"We have everything in Africa but people are dying in seas trying to cross to Europe yet they are leaving great resources behind them. You find people doing all sorts of things including giving false information to immigration authorities simply because they want to enter America. It seems we are ignorant about what we have,” he said in an interview with The New Times.

He said he drew the inspiration of writing this new song from back in the day during his high school days when many of his colleagues flew out of the country and never returned.

"I said to myself why can’t Africa develop its schools, industries and so on so that its young people can remain here because tend they go out there to look for better opportunities,” he said.

In his song, he says that Micheal Jackson would perhaps be in Goma (DR Congo), Beyonce in Rwanda and Rihanna in Ghana and helping Africa to develop had it not been for slave trade.

The song is the fifth of his career and his only track that addresses another topic other than love.  

The singer believes this song can play a pivotal role in the struggle to bring back confidence in the future of Africa. He hopes it will be heard by multitudes of Africans and make them work hard for their continent’s development.

T-Rock Saxo started his music career with the release of Nimba Padir in 2014. Since then, he has worked on a number of singles such as Mumutwe, featuring Bruce Melodie; Messi; and Zana irindi. 

He says he draws inspiration from Irish boy band West life and Canadian rock band Nickelback.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw