Watch Vasti Jackson’s Rwandaful video

Jackson’s visit was part of an artist development programme by the Africa In Colors project, which seeks to offer local artists opportunities to engage with and learn from established musicians and experts in the cultural sector.

The visit inspired the 61-year-old guitarist, together with the participating local artists, to produce a song, opening up more opportunities for collaboration between the Rwandan music industry and that of the US. 

Jackson is a recipient of the JMA 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2019 Polar International Music Award with Playing For Change, and the 2015 Albert King Lifetime Guitar Award. He was nominated for Grammy Awards in 2016 and 2019 and is a 2012 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame inductee. 

“The roots of blues, rap, rock and roll, funk and jazz are African,” Jackson told Music In Africa.“‘Rwandaful’ is a musical reconciliation with my African roots.”

Africa In Colors founder Raoul Rugamba said: “This will be a great beginning for future collaborations between upcoming artists from the African market and those from the American market, known or not.”

The track was mastered by Grammy Award-winning sound engineer David Farrell. 

Meanwhile, Africa in Colors recently signed a five-year memorandum of understanding with the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy to improve capacity building and increase jobs and revenue in Rwanda’s creative and cultural industries.

Watch the ‘Rwandaful’ video below: