Renowned musician Joe Musinga was full of praise for Rwanda Patriotic Army’s efforts in stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and his latest album can only elaborate how much he means it. Famous for his gospel and commemoration music, Musinga was on Sunday, June 9, joined by several artistes at the Kigali Genocide Memorial for an evening of special tributes to the Genocide victims through music and arts. Dubbed ‘Mudaheranwa 30,’ the celebration, though somber, coincided with Musinga’s official launch of his new album ‘Mudaheranwa’. The 'Ibaruwa' singer, headlined the event alongside a star-studded lineup of artists including Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa, Maria Yohana, Grace Mukankusi, Rwema Iryayo, Jean De Dieu Rwamahire Bonhomme, and Jean Marie Vianney Sibomana. What all these artistes share in common is their significant contribution to Rwanda's healing process through music. ALSO READ: Kwibuka 30: Artistes commemorate the Genocide against the Tutsi through music Mukankusi was the first to grace the evening of remembrance, performing her new track, 'Ntumukazime' which echoed the resilience of Genocide survivors, emphasizing their strength to rebuilding their lives. She concluded with 'Icyizere,' making way for the headliner. Joe Musinga, took the stage with 'Mwakire Indabo', a song dedicated to those who lost their parents during the Genocide. The song symbolically offers flowers to the deceased and sets a heartfelt tone for his set. Born Joseph Musinga Ndayishimiye, the singer performed other emotive pieces such as 'Ibaruwa', 'Ritah and Peter', 'Rungano', and 'Mudaheranwa,' which was named after his album, to name a few. Each song reflected a narrative of loss, hope, and resilience. Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa also brought a profound emotional connection to the tragedy when she performed ‘Nyumva Mana' and 'Uraho Rwanda while’ Maria Yohana’s ‘Sinkwibutsa Kwibuka’ and Bonhomme's 'Ijambo rya Nyuma’ also bolded the essence of the event. ALSO READ: The faces behind popular liberation songs and inspirations behind them Adding a more insightful artistic element to the event, members of Genocide Survivors Student Association (AERG) performed a moving sketch titled 'Mudaheranwa 30' highlighting the enduring spirit of the Rwandan people after 30 years. The sketch highlighted how Rwandans were once united but were later divided by colonialists. This division not only disrupted the leadership system but also exposes colonialists' desire to install a harmful system led by 'Hutu'—an ethnic group which forced the Tutsi to flee the country. This situation persisted until 1994 Genocide when more a million of Tutsi victims were killed. It was not until RPF-Inkotanyi’s army rescued some Tutsi who were targeted to be killed, hence marking the beginning of the country's rebuilding. Liberating the country was turning point of Rwanda’s rebuilding process in all aspects of life economically, socially, and politically, without leaving anyone behind.
