Rwandan music: From local to international level  

Writer: Evode Uwiragiye

Around 2000, that’s when the modern generation of music came into the music game succeeding the old generation of Impala, Byumvuhore, Rugamba Cyprien, and many others who did their music around the 1970s.

Reminiscing the time the new generation came in, it’s the realization of the way new music style and production emerged…From traditional music tools like ‘Umuduri’ to the classic ‘Piano’ all changed in every aspect of Rwandan music.

To cut long story short, the new generation of 2000 struggled with adopting the new style because it was new and didn’t have enough skills about it, it required them to consult some international music producers to make it to their best as they were rookies in the style.

They never fought only one battle,that was one of them, but have talked the way the struggle of making it to the international level was that hard for them? Let’s get it.

After Rwandan to get used to the new style of music and showing some love, Rwandan artists started to think about leveling up their music to international standards.

It’s an ongoing battle with some interesting output, Rwandan artists started collaborating with regional artists as it was their dream since day one when getting a collaboration with at least Ugandan artists was their dream. It is now no brainer that Ugandan artists or any other regional musician could ask to collaborate with Rwandan artists.

Fellow East African artists nowadays wish to collaborate with Rwandan artists which is an interesting stride because it was their dream for so long.

Rwandan artists now perform in international conferences which seemed to be impossible before. Rwandan songs are now streamed by international consumers via all music platforms which wasn’t there before.

Rwandan producers started mastering some international artists’ songs which could lead to more collaboration and Rwandan music development as well.

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