They used to say that a musician never dies; not because he is immortal, but because his music keeps alive, even after he is gone.

For instance; it has been 11 years after rap-father, Tupac Amaru Shakur died, but his music can still be danced to in club; it can still inspire the budding millions of artists, and certainly sells.

Tuesday, 13th September, many people gathered at several hangouts, around the world to commemorate the death of Tupac.

In Kigali, Quelque Part Bar was the place to be, as many up-and-coming rappers had gathered to entertain fans in the spirit of commemoration.

Tupac prayed to live longer to change the world, but died only at 25. He remains a legend though, especially because some believe that there is no hip-hop artist that has matched him, both his talent and influence.

One of them is Pacson, a local hip-hop performer who partially named himself after Tupac (Pac), copied his voice almost to perfection, and sometimes feeds the rapper’s lyrics in his songs.

Though Pacson has been criticized by many people as non-original he gives the picture of a devoted fan, just like he tells it himself.

"I started singing Tupac’s songs when I was in primary school and it gave me the internal strength to be my own artist; I take him as an unbeatable rapper and would of course want to live to his achievement.”

Gerald Nkubiri , better known as Bac-T is a radio presenter with Contact FM, who is also inspired by the rapper, not only because of his voice, but also his works.

"Tupac advocated for the wellbeing of the poor, sang about the "ghetto”, and established a charity foundation. Some people, including wealthy preachers cannot save the poor like he did.”

Ryan Kabera, a phone cell entrepreneur, in Kigali, cannot let his children watch Tupac though, because of his controversial side, of personifying violence.

"I wonder why I should love to see my children follow in his footsteps, because, this is one guy who was violent, and often used vulgar language….”

Kabera is right to some point; because the message one would expect to get from  some of Tupac’s songs, is explicit insults and beef.

But even with his negative influence, Tupac will always be one of those figures that have changed the world in their own way. 

Ends