In a once-in-a lifetime ‘30 40 Ubutore’ concert, celebrated musician Massamba Intore justified that he was made to stand for culture throughout his career, and thousands of his audience at BK Arena testified the legacy he is leaving in the music space. The concert was a dual celebration, commemorating Rwanda's 30-year journey of resurgence while at the same time paying tribute to Masamba’s 40-year musical career. The event, held Saturday night, August 31, was a profound celebration of resilience, progress, and cultural heritage. Enthusiastic fans arrived early, eager to immerse themselves in an evening of rich cultural music. The audience's anticipation was noticeable, reflecting their deep connection to the event's theme and the artist's legacy. ALSO READ: Massamba's concert: A celebration of Rwanda's rebirth, cultural heritage The night was made even more memorable by the meticulous attention to detail in the event's production. The impressive lighting setup enhanced the ambiance, creating the perfect visual backdrop for the performances. The spacious stage allowed dancers to fully express their artistry, while the sound quality ensured that every note resonated with clarity and power. Together, these elements created an engaging and unforgettable experience for all attendees who were treated to an evening of exclusively cultural music from a night they hadn’t lived in years. Masamba’s dynamic stage presence was further enhanced by his consistent interactions with the crowd as he frequently moved into the audience to directly get them engaged and attached to every moment of his performance of iconic songs like ‘Amarebe’, ‘Imihigo y’Imfura’, ‘Amararo’ and Nzajya Inama Nande’ to mention just a few. Supporting him throughout the performance was Ruti Joel, who provided backing vocals. He contributed to the lively atmosphere on stage. His live band, equipped with instruments that perfectly complemented the authentic sound of the evening, also added a rich musical layer to the event. “I was really looking forward to this concert, knowing it was a one-time event. They truly delivered, bringing back cultural songs we have not heard in a long time. It was really nice,” said Cynthia Uwase, one of the attendees. Seamlessly blending traditional cultural songs with powerful liberation songs. Massamba took the stage in traditional attire, embodying the rich heritage of Rwandan music. His performance was enhanced by the ‘Ibihame by’Imana’ cultural troupe (male dancers), who added depth and authenticity to the cultural fete. Later, in a striking transition, Massamba donned an army-inspired outfit to perform the liberation songs including ‘Dushengurukanye Isheja’, ‘Iya Mbere Ukwakira’ and ‘Kibonge,’ among others, paying tribute to Rwanda's journey of resilience with a powerful and evocative presentation. This was followed by a series of traditional wedding songs including, performed alongside all-female cultural troupe ‘Inyamibwa.’ “The continuous change of dancers and outfits really showed that he planned this performance and it really kept us engaged, making the performance even more enjoyable,” said Jack Gatete with a visibly smiling face. Massamba did not perform alone; he was joined by Ariel Wayz and Ruti Joel, who took the stage before his appearance, setting the tone for the evening's performances. And his daughter Deborah Ikirezi didn’t miss the stage either. She was not just there for a performance but a special occasion to celebrate her father for getting her into the cultural lane. Performances went beyond just those who were on the official lineup as the likes of Yvan Muziki, poet Junior Rumaga and Andy Bumuntu also left a mark with eye-catching traditional dances. Massamba's 40-year musical journey wasn’t just about what he achieved from hundreds of music stages he hit and tens of songs he recorded. He was also celebrated for his contribution and support to the cultural sphere like Luckman Nzeyimana, the MC of the night, highlighted. The ‘Versus’ TV show host listed several notable cultural artists including Teta Diana, Ruti Joel, Audia Intore, Jules Sentore among others who were gloomed by the musician and have since risen to stardom. They were all there to support their mentor. Massamba has also made his impact and influence noticed at the national level, especially since he was inherited to coach national ballet Urukerereza. The atmosphere inside BK Arena was unique and true to the night of cultural fete and, at the end of the day, each of revelers who spoke to The New Times looked entertained, and left tell those who weren’t able to attend the concert the legacy that Massamba is leaving to Rwandan cultural music. This was truly an enjoyable evening and the perfect way to spend the night. Massamba and the rest of the artists on the lineup delivered exactly what we expected, and the turnout was even larger than anticipated. I never imagined that so many Rwandans have such a deep appreciation for traditional songs, said Naomi Uwera, one of the attendees. The concert ended minutes past 11 pm.
