Dieudonne Munyanshoza: The artiste with a golden voice

HE is certainly among the country’s top celebrated musicians because of his golden voice. A vocalist, composer, lyricist and solider, Dieudonne Munyanshoza was born in September, 1975 in Rusizi, Northern Province, in a family of nine. Unfortunately, his family fell victim to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and were all killed. Munyanshoza is married and father to one and presently lives in Kimironko, Gasabo District. The performer, who discovered his musical talent at the age of six, released his first song Urukundo ruzira icyasha in 1993, the same year he joined the Rwanda Patriotic Force (RPF) as a liberation fighter. However, it was his 1996 hit title ‘Mibirizi’, which launched him to fame. In the song, Munyanshoza mourns his family, relatives, friends and other people, who were killed in Mibirizi, a village in Rusizi. Through the intimate bond with music, Corporal Munyanshoza, a.k.a, Mibirizi, has developed a rich musical talent, allowing him to perform all genres of music as well as playing the guitar. His music fuses Rwandan melodies and rhythms with daily experiences that resonate with people of all age groups. Inspired by love, relationships, politics and new spirituality, his sound is a conscious call to live, dream and hope in curiosity, courage and strength. As an accomplished musician, he has been active in the Rwandan music scene, performing at various events and in the process sharing the limelight with very many musicians. He is already a music connoisseur and intends to place his great wealth of experience at the disposal of all that desire to improve their skills. He has shared the same stage with renowned musicians like Maria Yohana Mukankuranga, Mani Martin, Patrick Nyamitari, Tonzi, Eric Rukundo, Sgt. Robert, Eric Senderi, Kitoko and Kizito Mihigo. As a songwriter and composer, Munyanshoza has been engaged in writing and composing songs and jingles about the Genocide and has worked closely with the National Commission for the fight Against the Genocide (CNLG). He composes songs that promote the Rwandan culture as well as national unity and reconciliation. Besides being a solider coupled with his solo musical career, Munyanshoza is also a carpenter. He has already released two memorable albums Duhore tubibuka and Ntibezongere kubaho with more than 20 singles, including Umwali. “Although most people know me for my Genocide-inspired songs, I also sing about social life and will soon start composing wedding and gospel songs,” Munyanshoza says. Meanwhile, Munyanshoza has denounced widespread rumours that he had died. “Its not the first time such rumour has been spread. In fact, a few years ago, the same thing happened and people started calling my friends asking them about my demise,” Munyanshoza laments. “Some people are just wicked and wish death upon me. I know its all about my music. Some people hate what I sing about. They feel we shouldn’t talk about the Genocide,” he adds. “That won’t stop me from singing because it’s only God who decides our fate ….so I will continue to sing,” he avers. The singer urges Rwandans to always remember the history of the country and support the truth and restore our dignity.“The Genocide took place on broad daylight. Rwandans should talk the truth and also help children to understand what happened, to avoid it from happening again,” Munyanshoza advises. Ends

Leisure

Dieudonne Munyanshoza: The artiste with a golden voice