Rwandan musicians remember genocide victims

The artists this week released commemorative songs for the 24th anniversary of the genocide that saw about 1 million Tutsi massacred by the Hutu majority government.

Although there had always been hostility between the two groups over the years, what sparked the bloodbath was the death of president Juvenal Habyarimana, a Hutu whose plane was shot down above Kigali Airport on 6 April 1994.

Habyarimana’s death led to a campaign of retribution that saw opposition leaders, Tutsis and moderate Hutus murdered in one of Africa’s most horrific atrocities in modern history. The genocide lasted for 100 days until 15 July 1994.

In commemoration of the genocide, a nationwide memorial service is held on 7 April every year accompanied by tribute concerts and events that run for a week.

Musician Deo Munyakazi told Music In Africa that in 1994 music was used to encourage the Hutus to kill the Tutsis, but 24 years later music is being used to inspire hope and unity.

“Musicians like Simon Bikindi were convicted of incitement to genocide and sentenced to jail,” Munyakazi said. “Today we use music to promote reconciliation and rebuild our country. We must all play an active role in the fight against ethnic discrimination.”

Musician Erick Senderi, who has released the song ‘Amateka Yacu’ (Our Rights), strongly believes that Rwanda has a better future ahead as long as it continues to tell the story of the genocide to the future generations.

“Our past does not justify our future,” he said. “As much as we must remember the history, we should not let it define us. Instead, the genocide should act as a lesson book in preparation for a better tomorrow.”

Other songs released for the 24th anniversary are ‘Icumu n’Ingabo’ (Spear and Shield) by Green Ferry Music, ‘Hora Rwanda’ (Cry No More Rwanda) by Rwanda Cinema Artists, ‘Dufite ibihamya’ (Our Testimony) by Yesu Araje Family Choir and ‘Birashoboka’ (It Is Possible) by Ambassadors of Christ Choir.