Recently, on March 20th, my school, Riviera High School, hosted the first of its kind music, dance and drama show with all sorts of activities such as acting, dancing (both traditional and modern), singing, poetry, modeling.

generally, there was such a moving force of motivation all around the audience and the participants.

I was amazed at how this show brought out a lot of character to the participants. They were especially the lot whose names are never mentioned in any activity in school except during the roll-call for attendance of class and of course at meal times! But these people really ‘did their thing and pulled it off!’ and one could only ask oneself ‘where has all this been hidden?’

Just then I realised ‘no wonder something was missing talent exploitation.’ It was an event that brought life back to the school community and of course into the student body at large.

This is something most common in ex- east African schools and we can bet that’s a primary force behind the commendable development of the music, dance and drama industry in these countries.

We’ve heard most of them say their career started ‘back then in school’.

From my observation, the confidence to stand out in public, being yourself, expression through talents, especially among the youth is not a prominent quality within our society.

Judging by the few who do come out, one can only imagine how much young and fresh talent most of us are sitting on. I mean, this could contribute a lot to ones success.

The guest of honor of that night remarked ‘if you have education, you have a big chance to success but if you have both education and talent, your success is a guarantee!’

By saying this, I’m making a wakeup call to all fellow youth; the platform for music, dance, drama, and the whole art in general belongs to you!

You are the ones that bring vibrancy to it as well as brighten the image of the Rwandan youth as long as it is for the right reasons, for the right motivations and for the right influence!

So go ahead and be a part of this vibrancy, participate in the arts and widen the scope of creativity! It does provide fulfillment and a sense of pride in how far we’ve come; as individuals and as a nation.

However, I suggest we do the things we know how to, do them right and do them now, while you still can. But also, do them so that at the end of the day, not just a part but the whole world will be pleased with you.

Ends