Over the last 28 years since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, music has been used to commemorate, heal, and convey reconciliation and unity messages. Extremists like Simon Bikindi, on the other hand, exploited music to incite hatred, promote propaganda, and spread Genocide ideology. It’s worth noting that the content of commemorative songs by different musicians has evolved over the past 28 years, now used to alter the course of action. While musicians such as Dieudonne Munyanshoza Mibirizi focus on recounting the facts of Rwanda’s history that led to the massacre, the young generation of musicians frequently focus on messages that call for unity, reconciliation, and hope to rebuild the country. As the country starts the 28th Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we highlight some songs that call on young people to make a difference by rebuilding unity among Rwandans. ‘Turibuka’ by Yvan Buravan, Ben Kayiranga and Andy Bumuntu ‘Turibuka’ for ‘we remember’ is a 2017 bilingual (French and Kinyarwanda) song by well-known artistes who usually sing other modern and traditional songs at times. The chorus lyrics are, “we remember the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. We fight against genocide ideology as we preserve the attained development.” It calls on Rwandans to dare to hope for a better future by staying unified. ‘Impore Rwanda’ by Rwandan Cinema All-stars ‘Impore Rwanda’ for ‘take heart Rwanda’ is a 2021 song by different celebrities in the Rwandan Cinema. Among the most known, there is Jeanette Bahavu most known as ‘Diane’ in City Maid, Antoinette Uwamahoro known as ‘Siperansiya’ in ‘Intare y’ingore’, Siyeri Ngirimana known as ‘Bamenya’, Emanuel Mugisha known as ‘Clapton kibonke’, and Ernest Kalisa known as ‘Samusure’. It is 8:19 minutes long and full of hopeful messages. The lyrics also carry promises of the youth’s commitment to making sure the Genocide doesn’t happen again. Rwanda’s cinema stars also had another song “Hora Rwanda” for “cease crying Rwanda” in 2018 ‘Twibanire mu mahoro’ by The Mane all-stars “Twibanire mu mahoro” for “let’s live together in peace” is a 2019 song which featured the late well appreciated Jay Polly with Queen Cha, Safi Madiba, and Marina. It is 4:21 minutes long. Its lyrics call for brotherhood among Rwandans and preaches peace. It says, “Ubumwe, urukundo, n’umurava abe aribyo bituranga” which means, “let’s be characterised by unity, love and courage.” ‘Kwibuka’ by Zeotrap ft Bwiru Majagu This is a song by upcoming artistes, Zeotrap and Bwiru Majagu, “kwibuka” for “remembrance”. It is a 2022 song that is 4:51 minutes long. “The horrible nights ended and strong hearts brought us light. Let’s protect this history and then uplift Rwanda beyond their expectations…Genocide never again” the lyrics go. ‘Ihorere’ by Active Boys and Yvan Buravan “(Rwanda) you were destroyed by yours and you will be rebuilt by yours,” the 2017 song that is 4:08 minutes long goes. “However bad our history it is our own anyway. We have learned a lot from it now it’s our turn to better it,” the lyrics go. The song by the four well-known young musicians sings praises of the development of Rwanda after the Genocide and carries the promise that it will not happen again. “The youth will ensure it.”
