Rwandan poet Olivier Tuyisenge, also known as Umusizi Tuyisenge, is opening the doors to poetry by offering his acclaimed album, “Inkuru y’ikimenamutwe,” for free. Initially priced at Rwf20,000 on Bandcamp, an online music platform, the album struggled to gain traction as many Rwandans were reluctant to purchase digital art.Since its 2022 release, it has reached only 200 listeners. ALSO READ: Umusizi Tuyisenge on dropping out of school to pursue his love for traditional music Inkuru y’ikimenamutwe features 31 tracks that delve into themes like the meaning of life and the essence of humility. The album expands the boundaries of traditional poetry and reflects Rwandan culture. Through my poetry, I want to challenge the audience to think deeper and wider. Each piece is designed to evoke strong emotions and spark meaningful conversations, Tuyisenge said. In an interview with The New Times, Tuyisenge shared: “Selling the album has been challenging. Many people here are not yet accustomed to purchasing digital art. I anticipated higher sales and hoped for more support for poetry, but the response has been underwhelming.” ALSO READ: Rwanda celebrates 30 years of liberation through poetry Recognizing this barrier, I decided to make a change. I released my album for free on platforms like Bandcamp, Audiomack, and YouTube. I want everyone to have the chance to explore these poems and their messages. I believe that once people understand and appreciate my work, they will support future projects.” Since its public release on August 3, the album has already reached over 1,300 listeners. Tuyisenge hopes this accessibility will encourage more people to engage with poetry and see its relevance in their lives. I encourage everyone to keep streaming the album and to think about the messages in each poem. This is just the beginning. With more exposure, I believe the appreciation for poetry in Rwanda will grow. ALSO READ: U Speak Live: Umuganura celebrated through poetry Digital distribution is essential for artists to reach global audiences. In Rwanda, while streaming and digital purchases are gaining traction, many still rely on free content. This dependence creates challenges for artists who must balance their creative work with the need for better intellectual property protections. Tuyisenge, however, is not only sharing his art but also setting the stage for a new appreciation of poetry in Rwanda. By offering his album for free, he hopes to inspire greater engagement with poetry and demonstrate its relevance in daily life.
