Editor, I was greatly disturbed, last week, after reading in our local newspapers that musician Rabadaba had rocked Kigali, attracting more attention and excitement from local crowd than Rwandan singer, Tom Close. Rabadaba is not the only foreign artist worshiped by local fans. Others like Jose Chameleone, Radio & Weasel, and Bebe Cool from Uganda pull even much bigger audiences in Rwanda. Ugandan music gets more airplay on local radio stations than home made music. But the unanswered question is, why should Rwandans opt to sing praises and support foreign musicians and abandon their own? Personally, I think Rwanda has greater music than Uganda but Rwandan music only lacks public support and recognition. Young gifted artists like Meddie, Tom Close, King James, Jojo, The Ben, among others, are a great promise. They have good quality videos with excellent graphics, awesome vocals and sound. Ugandan music does not come even an inch closer in comparison and the winning of the Tusker fame project in 2009 by Alpha Rwirangira is another manifestation of how big Rwandan music can get. But why have Rwandan artists been denied recognition in their own society despite their credibility? Is it lack of patriotism among the citizens? Or it’s just an obsession with any things foreign. Domination of foreign music does not only serve to suffocate the development of local talent but is also an embarrassment to Rwanda as a nation. So, Rwandans have got to appreciate and value what belongs to them, music to begin with. If Rwandans ever have the wish of seeing their music industry grow powerful, then they should start supporting this new breed of gifted artists by attending their shows or concerts and establish awards to reward best performers. Music schools can also be instituted to facilitate in identifying and promoting talent . This will take Rwandan music to new heights. Ivan Ngoboka Kampala, Uganda
