As Rwandans and the world commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over a million people, Rwandan artistes are using music as a tool to foster reconciliation and unity even though it was one of the tools that was used to instigate killings during the Genocide.
Over the years, Rwandan artistes have used their talent to salve the nation’s wounds and ensure this chapter of history is never repeated. As this year’s commemoration continues there are song releases by musicians, who have lent their voices to the rallying call for remembrance, unity and renewal. Here is a look at some of the songs released this month to mark #Kwibuka29.
‘Umuti w’Umutima’ by Danny Nanone
The young rapper released ‘Umuti w’Umutima’ (the heart’s cure), which is filled with heartfelt words for all Rwandans. "Kwibuka Twiyubaka is our weapon even though history is like a burden; leave the past and focus on the future some of us are getting old, hurting since at a young age until you get old?”, he sings. Danny also salutes the RPF Inkotanyi who saved the country however much hungry and tired they were.
‘Nimucyo Twibuke’ by Muyango
On April 5, renowned traditional singerJean-Marie Vianney Muyango released ‘Nimucyo Twibuke’ which calls for commemorating men, women and children who were killed with no crime and remembers heroes who found the country in bloodshed and washed it clean.
"Let us be united, strong against evil doers finding healing from depression, denying the enemy satisfaction. The nostalgia of our loved ones fill us with abundant love, once abundant, let us share it with others,” he sings.
‘Baho’ by Ambassadors of Christ
Ambassadors of Christ choir released a song titled "Baho” (loosely translated as live) that was inspired by a mother and daughter that survived the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The mother-daughter duo who had lost all hope that they would survive the atrocious experiences have expressed that the possibility that sharing their journey might inspire and encourage future generations was enough incentive to open up. Reflecting on the monumental aspects of the journey, the family of two describes their driving force as a voice that kept urging them to live, something they draw energy from to this day.
‘Turabakumbura’ by Kendo ft Rumaga
This song captures the sorrow of genocide survivors with the hope that the country does not descend into the same madness again. " whenever the 100 days of remembrance approach, I think of going very far from myself hoping to be strong tomorrow but when I remember that I am Rwanda and that for her to live again I should live, then I call in a loud voice that the Genocide will never happen again,” recites Rugama’s Poem.
‘Kwibuka’ by Yampano
The young artiste released ‘Kwibuka’ (Twamaganye Abapfobya Genocide) which is laced with messages of fighting against those who keep on denying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that happened in Rwanda. He calls on the youth to working together in fighting genocide ideology and promote peace to support what has been achieved in the last 29 years.