Rwanda has, for centuries, taken pride in its rich cultural songs that have transcended generations. To celebrate and reconnect the country with its rich cultural history, Rwanda Cultural and Heritage Academy (RCHA) organised an event to observe World Day for Audiovisual Heritage, on October 27. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s traditional music, a precious heritage During the event, Marie Claude Uwineza, the National Archives Acting Director, said that most of these songs are a source of inspiration for artistes and musicians. “Some artistes have begun adapting and picking artistic styles from traditional to modern; however, a few of them still create art using ancient tradition.” “A good example is Michael Makembe, she mentioned, adding that he draws inspiration from this old style and blends them with modern instruments and creates a fusion of perfect melodies and sounds.’ “This means that, if some artistes are able to do it, there is hope that more will do similar because it is possible and very relevant in today’s era,” she said. Uwineza mentioned that RCHA’s mission is to inspire these artistes to stick to traditional songs to improve their art. It’s important because there is a lot of history in it and it connects the past with the present to create something beautiful,” she added. ALSO READ: Cultural heritage body to unveil sounds, songs recorded during colonial period Makembe, when interviewed, shared that he was given access to some of the songs in the archives and thar he has been working on how to modify them in a modern way without changing their message and rhythm. “I have been sampling some of the songs but whenever I listen to them, they have been feeding me with lots of ideas and I have been inspired by the strong spirit our ancestors had. They're very relatable when you listen to them and this has been the beginning of my growing journey,” he said. Windows to the country's history Rwanda's cultural heritage songs are not just melodic tunes; they are windows to the country's history, values, and identity especially when it comes to marriage and social cohesion. Uwineza mentioned that a couple of preserved songs were composed purposely to praise the king for his accomplished achievements. People are still doing the same in today’s era.” She added: “There are numerous songs like ‘Ibihozo’ that were sang to a girl who was about to marry reminding her to respect her husband, be patient, and hygienic.” There are similar songs like ‘Wirira’, ‘Nzajya Inama’, ‘Araje’, ‘Uzabatashye’ all by Masamba Intore and ‘Numukobwa’, ‘Laurette’ by Cecile Kayirebwa and Kamaliza, respectively. These songs narrate the history of cultural practices and messages they passed to a bride before leaving home. Storytelling of heroic incidents and resilience One of the most cherished aspects of Rwanda's cultural songs is their role in storytelling. These songs narrate the history of the Rwandan people, from the heroic tales of ancient warriors to the struggles and resilience of the Rwandan nation now and then. There are songs that promote unity and reconciliation. After the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda embarked on a remarkable journey towards healing and reconciliation. Songs like ‘Ndaje’ by Teta Diana, ‘Twaribohoye’, ‘Abiwacu muraho’ ‘Karame Uwangabiye’ by Muyango, ‘Turaje and many more, played an indelible work in the process of bringing Rwandan together and fostering a sense of belonging to demolish ethnic divisions and working towards a harmonious future.
