Cultural week ends on a high version

Rwandan singer Jacques Murigande, better known by his stage name Mighty Popo, electrified hundreds of music lovers at the closing ceremony of the cultural week held at the Petit Stade last Sunday.The week-long event that started on August 30, aimed at educating the youth about Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. The week featured cultural as well as modern dance contests.On Sunday, the event started at 6pm with performances by Inyamibwa, Urukerereza, Itorero Garuka urebe and Intore traditional troupes. There were also modern dances by Sick City Dance Crew and Ghetto Control. The main performer of the evening Mighty Popo arrived on stage at 9pm amidst a tumultuous reception from the delighted crowd. The singer and his band worked up the crowd with scintillating performances that left fans asking for more. He belted out a number of songs, including his hit tracks My Heart, Muhazi, Agasaza, Imandwa and Nyirabisabo, among others. The crowd went wild when he executed his guitar skills. Mighty Popo’s music is a fusion of modern and traditional music. He performs folk music with Afro-pop grooves in the traditional styles of ancient Rwandan society.In collaboration with the National Institute of Museums, the cultural week covered all provinces giving the youth beyond Kigali, a chance to learn about their rich heritage.Enthusiastic masses thronged the event to enjoy the colourful ambience, folk dances, a fashion show, traditional games and debates.Prof. James Vuningoma’s culture book guide entitled, Indangagaciro zUmuco Nyarwanda was launched by the Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali during the closing ceremony.Mitali, who was the chief guest at the event, urged the youth to embrace and preserve the Rwandan culture.Prof. Vuningoma also encouraged young people to learn how unique Rwandan culture is. “Our culture adds value to our society, so embracing your culture will encourage self-reliance, dynamism and vision.”The event was graced by various government officials including, Boniface Rucagu, chairman of the National Itorero Taskforce and Alphonse Nkuranga, Executive Secretary of the National Youth Council, (NYC), among others.According to the organisers, the cultural week was planned and conceptualised to save the national heritage for future generations. In addition the objective of this event was to involve and bring the youth closer to the cultural activities to keep arts and crafts alive especially in remote areas of the country.Other artistes who took part in the week-long event included Shanel, Riderman, Mani Martin, Babou, Cubaka, Jay Polly, Patient Bizimana and Belgian-based Congolese singer Fredy Massamba, who was the main act at the opening of the event.

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Cultural week ends on a high version