A date with Orchestre Impala is worth the time of every music lover. You can catch the popular band on Thursdays and Sundays at Divinity Bar and Restaurant in Remera, directly opposite Airtel building. Orchestre Impala band is not only popular in the region but is also known for its timeless tunes that cut across all generations. Their popular tracks include, Anita, Iby’Isi ni amabanga, Marie Rose, Bonne Annee, Amavubi and Urwererane among others. Orchestre Impala was founded in 1974 and proved to be very popular as their music enjoyed extensive popularity on TV, radios and in bars across the country. Initially composed of seven members, the band was hit hard by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Four of its original members were killed, while one of them, Semu Jean Berechimas (Semu wa semu) died of natural causes.However, two of the founding members, Fidele Ngezi and Paul Sebigeri have managed to keep the band afloat and they have been doing live concerts around the country. Today, they have nine members.During the group’s performance on Sunday, revellers, both young and old, could be seen dancing as they belted popular songs one after the other. The Impala was also a sight to behold with their nimble dancing styles that kept revellers on their feet.“We have managed to keep the fire of our music burning by playing our original songs which were liked by almost everybody in the country. It’s also a tribute to our fallen heroes that the band did not die, despite the tragic events that claimed the lives of over half of our original members,” Sebigeri says
