Music awards in Rwanda, in many instances, are organised to honor the best performing artistes and recognize what they achieve throughout the year.

But, as they struggle to keep up with their appearance, the focus has now shifted to awarding legends and honoring their achievements in the creative industry.  

Dubbed ‘Legends Achievements Awards’, the awards will go to legendary and fallen musicians Annonciata Mutamuriza, commonly known as Kamariza, and Cyprien Rugamba to honor their major achievements during their time doing music.

The award-giving gala, which is in its second edition, will be held on Saturday, December 26 [Boxing Day] live on the national broadcaster, Rwanda Television.

Both Rugamba and Kamariza are deceased, but Luckman Nzeyimana, the brains behind the awards, told The New Times that the fact that people still love their music inspired him to approach their families and let them know his idea to recognize them.

Kamaliza, real name, Annonciata Mutamuriza, is still considered among the icons of the liberation struggle and a patriot.

"Their awards will be handed over to their families to honor their role and contribution to the growth of Rwandan music. When their families heard of my initiative, they were so happy to hear that their music has left such a legacy. They are not alive, but their achievements in music will remain,” Nzeyimana said.

"We recognize legends, alive or not, to show our respects to the milestones they achieved during their careers. Rugamba and Kamariza songs are among the most popular till now, and people can’t stop having them in their playlists,” he added.

How the idea came about

Nzeyimana has been a showbiz journalist for about a decade, and currently hosts ‘Versus’, a TV show that airs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on Rwanda Television.

He has also monitored the status of awards in Rwanda, including the infamous music award, Salax Awards that focus on the best performing artists.

He mentioned that from his experience, there are so many people whose achievements in the creative industry were ignored yet they played a big role in contributing to the development of Rwanda’s creative industry as shown by what they achieved during their careers.

That is how his initiative to recognise legends, not just in music but other different fields of the creative industry like fashion, filmmaking or theatre among others whose achievements are worth recognising, came about.

The inaugural awards were held in December last year and musicians Mariya Yohana and Muyango were picked first for the awards.

Before deciding who to pick for the awards, Nzeyimana consults some of his colleagues and workmates who work closely with showbiz in Rwanda to choose legendary artists’ in reference to their work and the impact they have in society.

"People who did great things in this creative industry are known. While some people could be unimpressed by their achievements, you can’t ignore a big number of people who take a leaf from them because their work has inspired them in a way or another,” he explained. 

About the awardees

Cyprien Rugamba, one of Rwanda’s most eulogised legends, was the leader of ‘Amasimbi n’Amakombe’.

 He was known for his songs such as ‘Ubuhanga Buhanitse’, ‘Urungano’, ‘Imenagitero’ as well as other songs that are used today in the Rwandan Catholic Church.

He, alongside his wife Daphrose Mukandanga, were also among the 2018 Unity Award recipients, for playing a big role in fostering unity and fighting discriminatory behavior of the genocidal regime.

The couple established a movement named "Communauté de l’Emmanuel” aimed at fostering unity and peace among Rwandans. 

Their initiative angered the former government consequently leading to their extermination together with their six children.

Rugamba’s family, and some members of Amasimbi n’ Amakombe, were killed by the former presidential guards on April 7, 1994. 

His son and first-born, Olivier Rugamba, will receive the award on the legendary musician’s behalf.

Kamariza

Born Annonciata Mutamuriza, Kamaliza is one of the best musicians that Rwanda has produced and people never stop listening to her popular songs like Kunda Ugukunda, Humura Rwanda, Umutoni, Mbabare Ngirente and Sinakwanze, among others.

Her music portrayed a positive future for Rwanda and helped a lot to boost morale during the liberation struggle.

To date she is still considered among the icons of the liberation struggle and a patriot.  

Kamaliza died in a car accident in 1996. Although she died two decades ago, her legacy lives on and many are committed to keep it alive.