Entertainment : Artists can start smiling

Whereas the year came bad in world politics, with riots and killings, Rwandan musicians have something good to cerebrate. Outside the country, artists are identified by the money and admiration of fans; but local ones survive in poverty and cheap fame. In the recent few years though, their status has been improved to promising. The government, through its Youth and Culture Ministry, recognizes, and sometimes sponsors artists for their events, like music awards and album launches. Ten local artists including the comedian, Atome, and the movie maker, Eduordo Bamporiki were honoured with accompanying the president on a diplomatic mission, to America. Our snoops tell us that one of the overjoyed, Tuyisenge Jean de Dieu, who became famous after his presidential campaign compositions, threw a crazy farewell party for his people, long before he was cleared for boarding the Chicago bound plane. Three other artists, Rafiki, Mako Nikoshwa and Diplomate, are also thankful to the president after they were chosen to accompany the Under 17 national soccer team to the World Cup, in Mexico. “It is amazing how Rwandan music is appreciated today. I dreamt of representing my country one day, and here I am,” commented Diplomate, before departing. Tom Close, one of the ten artists, vying for the ‘Primus Guma Guma’ superstar title, also thanks local businesses that support local musicians. “If even big businesses like Bralirwa can think of giving 6 million to the ‘lowly’ artists, then our music is headed for the best.” What about Music awards, like the Salax, which never existed, and concerts which host local artists on the same stage with international ones like Shaggy? Night life itself becomes more impressive, everytime; with even the tiniest hangout and pubs being turned into crowned and costly clubs. The industry that once looked like wastage of artists’ money and time now looks like a career worth pursuing. Ends