Ngarukiye continues to embrace traditional music

If you have been listening to traditional Rwandan music for the past few months, you have probably heard of Daniel Ngarukiye, whose hit songs, such as Ikibungenge are among the most played traditional songs on the local radio stations. Ngarukiye, better known by his stage name Mudakikwa, was introduced to traditional music early in life and became interested in the genre after performing at various traditional ceremonies and concerts.The 25-year-old has always lived in Rwanda, where traditional music has always been part of his life, and cites the country’s most prominent musical legends Athanase Sentore and Rujindire as people who endeared him to this style of music.Ngarukiye has released a number of beautiful and lyrical songs that include Gira Amata, Ikibungenge, Rubanguzankwaya and Iwacu muraho, among others.“I grew up singing traditional Rwandan music, our great fathers’ style.” “Traditional music is our heritage, a wealth and a health of our mind and a gift from God,”says Ngarukiye. Although most young artistes in the country have adopted the western music styles like Dancehall, Rap, R&B and Hip-hop, Ngarukiye says traditional music is still held dear to him and by many people within the country.He says: “Its amazing that I can sing this beautiful style of music. I can also imitate western style and other styles, but how many western people can imitate our style….?” he asks.The Iwacu muraho star is currently on a country tour with traditional musicians, working with the Ministry of Youth and ICT, teaching Rwandan history and mobilising the youth to promote unity and reconciliation.Using traditional musical instrument-Inanga, Ngarukiye performs live and by the look of things, it appears the singer is on track.His effort to promote the traditional Rwandan music has paid off.“I have attended several concerts and realised that people actually appreciate our traditional music. Traditional artistes have been able to earn good money from the gigs,” says Ngarukuye. Through singing, Ngarukuye has become one of the most recognisable faces on Rwandan entertainment scene.In a bid to keep alive traditional Rwandan music, the singer has urged the government to promote and protect the country’s culture as well help artistes earn money from their songs and grow the music industry in Rwanda.Ngarukuye also encouraged artistes to produce Rwanda rhythms in order to provide high quality music to the world of Rwanda lovers.He is a member of Gakondo, one of the most prolific guardians of Rwanda’s musical world heritage headed by renowned traditional musician Intore Massamba.

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Ngarukiye continues to embrace traditional music