Is Rwandan music really chic?

“I can never buy a ticket to watch those Rwandan ‘celebs’,” a buddy of mine once said to me. Ironically, he saved for six months for the East African party at the end of 2008 that featured majority foreign artists. What comes to mind first is that he needs something new, but still sounds satirical because he prefers the music almost typical to what his home boys do. This time I sense some logic behind his reasoning, lack of ‘real music’ at home. Only an unpatriotic one would not say thanks to the great step taken towards real music in Rwanda over the past few years of reconstruction. But also an objective watchdog would not fail to mention that Rwandan artists need to overhaul their efforts for more flavour. In this, if I were to be brutally honest, I would say that most of them lack vision and this can achieve nothing other than ruins. They are not focused growing to a higher level but rather chose to remain at the level they have made their comfort zone. Most of our artists don’t really pick on the inspiration of the artists who have made it, preferably in our region but rather go for what the likes of Lil Wayne and Soulja Boy rap to get their groove on. If I were a music counselor, I would advise our celebrities to lay their musical roots in Africa than be considered ‘wannabes’ doing what is done in the United States. In short, they are forgetting that they are entertaining Rwandan fans who have different tastes and backgrounds than the Westerners. I also thought of this, Rwandan artistes have not dared explore their entire potential. Self styled boys like Rafiki of the Coga fame and MC Mahonboni have earned themselves names because of bringing something new to town. MC once told me that he confuses most Rwandan rappers because they play crank, and have rhyming lines in their songs on top of having almost identical voices. In my analysis, I also learnt that most artists are not famous because of their controversial behavior in popular spots. My friend Yvonne, once told me that she can never be hooked by a musician pointing out that they are often outlaws, shabby on the streets; dope addicts all sorts of decadence. I can’t blame her because she has not gone past Rwandan borders to see what happens abroad. An artist should hold the highest degree of self esteem if he is to be recognized as a celebrity. More so upcoming artists should also look at what their counterparts like Casanova or Ms Shanel sing to make their songs appear tasty and exotic. An artist should sing what “speaks to the hearts” of his people but still make them dance when it is necessary. I will not however make it entirely the role of the artist but also the fans. Without the love for our home product whatever the weakness it holds, who on earth will go for it. We should take it upon our selves to guide our brothers and sisters if we are to bring Rwandan music back on track. Why feed a neighbour’s kids while your own is starving? I feel it is time we worked as one to make Rwandan music better. Do you have an opinion on anything and everything? Let’s hear it.Send your 600 worded opinion to editorial “newtimes.co.rw. Contributors are advised that this column is non remunerative and the Editor reserves the right of publication. Ends

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Is Rwandan music really chic?