Producers and artistes have been merging sounds produced by local instruments with modern sounds, resulting in a fusion that many see as the future of Rwandan traditional music. Widely known in Kinyarwanda as ‘Gakondo,’ the genre dates way back to the early 1880’s when Rwandans distinctively created music instruments like ‘Inanga,’ a harp-like instrument with eight strings that was played by Rwanda's best-known performers including Athanase Sentore. We recognise and celebrate the top 10 musicians who are shaping cultural narratives and inspiring social change through traditional music. In no particular order, The New Times presents to you 10 artists leading Rwanda’s Gakondo music. Massamba Intore, Masamba Butera Intore, widely known as Masamba Intore, is a multi-talented artist with a music career spanning 30 years. In addition to being a renowned singer and songwriter, he is also an actor, expert, and coach for the Rwandan National Ballet “Urukerereza”. ALSO READ: Why ‘Gakondo’ might be the future of Rwandan music As a cultural ambassador for Rwanda, Masamba travels the world, promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage. His traditional Rwandan songs, such as “Arihe”, “Ikizungerezi”, “Karame Rudasumbwa” and “Nzajya Inama Nande”, celebrate the depth of Rwandan customs and traditions, preserving the beauty of the nation's cultural legacy. Cecile Kayirebwa At 78 years old, the iconic musician is best known for her traditional and deeply heartfelt songs, including ‘Inzozi Data Yandoteye’, ‘Tarihinda’, ‘Ubutumwa’, ‘Nkunda Mama’, ‘Indoto’, ‘Inzozi’, ‘Ubupfubyi’, ‘Babyeyi’, ‘Indamukanyo’, and ‘Impinga ya Muhabura’ among others. These timeless tracks made a significant impact on the cultural scene and continue to resonate with audiences to this day. Deo Munyakazi Deo Munyakazi is a renowned Inanga maestro, and cultural innovator. Inanga, a traditional Rwandan string instrument, has been central to Munyakazi’s musical journey, which began in 2012 under the mentorship of renowned Inanga maestro, Mushabizi. Munyakazi's deep passion for Rwandan culture is encompassing music, dance, poetry, and history, fueled his dedication to preserving Inanga and elevating it on the world stage. His mission is to sustain Rwanda's cultural legacy and introduce its music to the global scene, especially as the instrument faces the threat of disappearing. Munyakazi has been selected as one of ten world talents by the Music Board Berlin and Goethe Institute in Germany. He has also collaborated with international artists like Grammy award-winning Joss Stone, Guillaume Perret from France, Keziah Jones, and Henhouse Prowlers from the USA. His popular songs, including ‘Akamararungu’, ‘Ngwino Urare,’ ‘Ihorere Rwanda,’ and more that showcase his talent and dedication to keeping Rwandan music alive. Ruti Joel Ruti Joel, a Rwandan Gakondo singer and songwriter, has earned a reputation as one of the finest traditional Rwandan artists. With a unique blend of Afro-soul and traditional Rwandan music, he captivates audiences with his vibrant stage performances. Some of his notable tracks include ‘Igikobwa,’ ‘Rumata,’ ‘Cunda,’ ‘Ibihame,’ ‘Musomandora,’ ‘Rasana,’ and ‘Ikinimba,’ all of which continue to make waves in the Rwandan music scene. The 27-year-old’s musical journey began in 2013 when he started learning the art of music. He later joined Gakondo Group, which featured notable artists such as Masamba Intore, Jules Sentore, Diana Teta, and Viktor Rukotana. That’s where Ruti honed his songwriting skills under the mentorship of Masamba Intore, who played a crucial role in guiding his development as an artist. ALSO READ: Gakondo Connect excites fans at inaugural concert Jules Sentore Jules Rwamwiza I. Bonheur, widely known as Jules Sentore, is a 35-year-old artist celebrated for his hit songs such as ‘Umpe Akanya,’ ‘Sine ya Mwiza,’ ‘Mama,’ ‘Agafoto,’ ‘Ni rwongere,’ ‘Intango,’ and ‘Kora Akazi,’ among others. He is a grandchild of Athanase Sentore, the legendary traditional singer behind hits like 'Dushengurukanye Isheja.' His path to the music industry was facilitated by the legendary Massamba who, upon recognizing Sentore's talent, invited him to collaborate on various concerts. Together, they performed at prestigious venues like the Centre d'Echange Culturelle Franco-Rwandais, Serena Hotel, and other prominent locations. Ibrahim Cyusa Cyusa began his artistic journey as a dancer, often performing solo at weddings during his early years, captivating audiences with his talent. By the age of 20, in 2009, he joined the Inyamibwa Cultural Troupe, a group dedicated to preserving Rwanda’s rich dancing traditions. His breakthrough came in 2010 during the seventh edition of the Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD), where his performance caught the attention of Serge Nahimana, the head of Inganzo Ngari, Rwanda’s leading traditional dance troupe. From there, Cyusa's career blossomed, and he transitioned into music, producing popular hits such as Muhoza, Imparamba, Rwanda Nkunda, and Migabo, further establishing himself in Rwanda's cultural landscape. Audia Intore Gakondo singer Alice Diane Uwimana, commonly known as Audia Intore, is a renowned vocalist who has been performing traditional music for the past 13 years, Audia is known for five songs that have become household names including, “Sine ya Mwiza”, “Urungano”, “Umugozi Umwe”, “Berwa”, and “Uri mwiza Mama.” She started her music career after her high school, she met a group of young men, Inkesha, who wanted a female vocalist to sing with them, especially at weddings. Two years later, Audia was contacted by renowned traditional artiste, Masamba Intore, to join Gakondo group, where he and other famous artistes like Jules Sentore and Diana Teta sung. Teta Dianah Teta Diana seamlessly blends Kinyarwanda with English and Swahili in her music, creating a fusion of traditional folk, jazz, and Afro-pop that reflects her rich cultural roots. As the founder of Sakwe Studios, Teta brings together cultures through storytelling and music. Her journey began in 2013 when she joined the Gakondo Group, performing traditional Rwandan folk music alongside renowned artists like Intore Massamba and Jules Sentore. This experience launched her solo career, allowing her to perform at prestigious festivals such as the Kigali-Up Music Festival, FESPAM, and internationally in countries like Congo, Kenya, Senegal, Belgium, the United States and Sweden where she currently lives. In 2015, she received the CYRWA Award from First Lady Jeannette Kagame, recognizing her outstanding achievements. The following year, Teta took part in the Music Action Lab in San Francisco, collaborating with global musicians to create music for social impact. ALSO READ: How Rwandan diaspora is promoting Gakondo to the world Since releasing her first singles in 2013, she debuted her album Iwanyu in 2019 and followed it with the EP Umugwegwe in 2021. Based between Sweden and Rwanda, Teta continues to produce music and foster cultural exchange. As she says, Music is a language that crosses borders and reaches the soul. Ange & Pamela Twin sisters Ange Ndayishimiye and Pamela Bamureke, began their traditional music careers by performing at cultural events, gaining recognition for their rendition of Cecile Kayirebwa’s iconic song ‘Marebe Atemba Amaribori.’ Their performance of this song led to a life-changing opportunity in 2016 when they met Kayirebwa herself during auditions for backup singers ahead of her concert. Mentored by their school matron, Ange and Pamela rehearsed diligently and were selected to join Kayirebwa as backup vocalists. Since then, they have accompanied the Rwandan music legend at all her concerts. Inspired by her encouragement, the duo ventured into producing their own music since 2022, releasing notable tracks such as ‘Gwera,’ ‘Rusengo,’ and ‘Impundu Zanjye.’ Sophie Nzayisenga Sophie Nzayisenga is one of Rwanda's most gifted musicians, known for her mastery of the traditional stringed instrument, ‘Inanga,’ and her captivating Kinyarwanda songs. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition far and wide, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing performances. In 1986, she released her debut song, Ikera kurima, which marked the beginning of her musical journey. Some of her popular hits include Ishema and Inyambo, further solidifying her place as a prominent figure in Rwandan traditional music.
