Singer Joe Musinga, real name Joseph Musinga Ndayishimiye, known for his gospel music and Kwibukasongs, will launch his new album ‘Mudaheranwa’ on Sunday, June 9. The event, dubbed ‘Mudaheranwa 30’, is intended to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through music and art. As part of Kwibuka 30, the ‘Mudaheranwa’ event will take place at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, and probe into the weight of the tragedy while honouring the strength and optimism for the future, centred around the theme: “Reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda through Art”. The event will feature renowned singers like Grace Mukankusi, Dieudonne Munyenshoza, Rwema Iryayo, Jean De Dieu Rwamahire Bonhomme, Jean Marie Vianney Sibomana, all recognised for their uplifting songs that address the healing and restoration from the post-Genocide impacts on both individuals and the nation. ALSO READ: Artistes commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi through music According to Musinga, the event will incorporate a variety of art forms to create a well-rounded and emotionally resonant experience. These will include Rwandan traditional music, poems with Rwandan influences, and pieces composed specifically to align with the theme. It will also involve traditional Rwandan dances and storytelling depicting the tragedy and resilience of the Rwandan people. The ‘Ndemye’ singer believes that the scars of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi remain engraved deep in the nation’s soul. While the passage of time offers a path towards healing, the responsibility to remember and honour the victims, survivors, and the resilience of the Rwandan people is paramount. “Art, in its multifaceted forms, serves as a powerful tool for commemoration, offering a space for remembrance, education, and hope for the future. Commemoration through art allows a heartfelt emotional connection with the tragedy,” he said. He noted: “Words on a page can struggle to capture the full weight of human suffering. However, a haunting melody, a deep dance performance, or a raw visual portrait can evoke an innate response, forcing the audience to confront the harshness of the Genocide. This emotional engagement is crucial, as it encourages empathy and understanding of the human cost of such atrocities. In that regard, the event will incorporate artistic expression to honour the Genocide victims, celebrate the survivors, educate the global audience about the Genocide and its enduring impact, promote messages of unity, reconciliation, and hope for the future, heal the wounds of survivors, combat loneliness by connecting people, recognize Rwanda’s successful journey of homegrown development, acknowledge the role of Inkotanyi in stopping the Genocide, and more. ALSO READ: Indangamirwa cultural troupe to honour Genocide victims killed and thrown in water Musinga mentioned that the “night to remember” aims to address issues such as the lack of understanding of Rwandan history, specifically the Genocide, the absence of musicians promoting peace, love, unity, and healing, the need for commemoration events, and the importance of connecting the youth with other groups to share testimonies. The debut album includes tracks such as ‘Mudaheranwa’, ‘Mwakire Indebo’, ‘Ndemye’, ‘Ibaruwa’, ‘Mbwira’, ‘Inkuru Yanjye’, ‘Mucyowera’, ‘Rungano’, ‘Ikimenyetso’, to name a few.
