Last updated: 12 hours ago
The musical traditions of Rwanda provide the foundation for soulful vocalist and composer Cecile Kayirebwa. A founding member of the Rwanda Song and Dance Circle since 1961, Kayirebwa has continued her musical heritage as a member of Belgium-based African bands Bula Sangome and <a href="spotify:artist:2HMuzFmTtwL4ur1zJNCU7f">Arcadia</a> and as a soloist. Kayirebwa's early interests in traditional music were strengthened when she traveled, as a welfare officer, to all regions of Rwanda. Leaving her native country, after her mother went to live with a Frenchman in the remote Belgian village of Lozere, Kayirebwa quickly adapted to her new home. Learning to speak French, she began performing French versions of tunes by <a href="spotify:artist:7guDJrEfX3qb6FEbdPA5qi">Stevie Wonder</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:3rJ3m1tM6vUgiWLjfV8sRf">Jimmy Cliff</a> in local discotheques. In 1983, she studied traditional music at the Royal Museum of Central Africa in Terveuren, Belgium. The following year, she joined Bula Sangoma. After recording a single, "Amour Sucre," with <a href="spotify:artist:2HMuzFmTtwL4ur1zJNCU7f">Arcadia</a>, a bilingual group that she formed with a friend, Kayirebwa recorded her first album, Music From Rwanda, with accompaniment by <a href="spotify:artist:5iT1HyfgPxF675TWZeldFB">Nzongo Soul</a>. In addition to original songs, the album included Rwandan pop tunes and songs by Jean-Christophe Mutata. Kayirebwa has continued to use her music as a vehicle for attracting attention and raising funds for Hope, the Children of a Thousand Hills, a charity organization that she formed with Christine Coppel. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi
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