Ibyanzu Vibration Night marked the graduation of a select group of talented young poets from Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi's prestigious mentorship program. Held at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, the evening of poetry was a celebration of creativity, language, and the hard work of emerging poets who had undergone months of intensive training and mentorship on September 20. The event was filled with performances from the eight graduating poets, who showcased their artistic growth and love for the Kinyarwanda language. The Ibyanzu collective, as the group is called, is dedicated to promoting and conserving the richness of Rwandan language and culture through poetry. ALSO READ: Non-Fungible Tokens make mainstream debut in Kigali They aim to set an example for future generations of poets to embrace their heritage and nurture their talent. Junior Rumaga, one of the key mentors of Ibyanzu, described the night as a significant milestone in a longer journey. He emphasized that Ibyanzu is more than just a group of poets but a movement of young artists aspiring to greatness and committed to preserving the beauty of the Kinyarwanda language. “Our objective is to train the young to be exemplary, not only in art but also in politeness and life in general. These poets are on the path to becoming elites who will serve the nation,” he said. The process of selecting these eight poets was rigorous. Many of them earned their spots through a competitive examination, while others came from Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi’s third cohort, showcasing their excellence in various forms of creative expression. The program's structure allowed the poets to sharpen their skills and perform in front of a captivated audience, reinforcing the importance of nurturing young talent. Renowned Rwandan rapper Riderman is a big supporter of the Ibyanzu collective. After was inspired by the talent and determination of the poets, offered the poets a free space to do their rehearsals at his creative hub ‘Ibisumizi Arts Centre.’ “These young artists are immensely talented. Ibisumizi has always been a home for artists looking to work on their craft, and the Ibyanzu poets have brought a fresh energy here,” he said. ALSO READ: Le Mal du Corps: Unmasking male vulnerability through the lens Riderman also revealed that Ibisumizi has been a nurturing ground for many successful artists, including Afrique and Ama G the Black, before backing Ibyanzu poets to soon join their ranks. “We have worked with so many artists here, and the future of these poets looks bright. I am proud to support their journey,” he noted. A host of mentors who took part at the event commended poets from Ibyanzu collective for the dedication and passion that they showed throughout the journey while also reflecting on the challenges and rewards of working with them. “Sometimes, I had to be harsh, but it was always for their growth, the poets have immense talent, and I see them touching the stars. Their potential is limitless, and they will continue to shine,” said actress Olive Saranda Mutoni who was among mentors involved in the program. One of the graduates, Viviane Uwababyeyi, shared her personal transformation during the program. “Before, I was too nervous to stand in front of people, but now, thanks to my mentors, I feel like I’m living my dream, I am no longer shy of expressing myself, and I see myself becoming a role model for other talented young women in the future,” said Uwababyeyi. According to Uwababyeyi, Ibyanzu Vibration Night was not just a celebration of poetry but a celebration of growth, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future for Rwanda’s artistic community.
