Habiyaremye Vincent playing traditional harp
Music is one of the most emotive entertainments in the field of Art that has advanced from traditional way to a sophisticated technology and professionalism; but there are yet some exceptional sensation found only in traditional music, as testified by Rwandan traditional musician Habiyambere Vincent.
Habiyambere is a songwriter and plays various traditional music instruments. He finds it so pleasing that he decided to coach youth generations how to play traditional music instruments. He earns money from his career and believes it provides knowledge about the culture of Rwanda; especially at a time when most youth seem to have fallen for western ways. So far Habiyambere teaches ten youngsters how to play music instruments such as harp, drums and other Rwandan traditional instruments.
“It was not easy for me to start the project, but the result encouraged me to do even more.” Habiyambere confirms
Some of the challenges he faces include: lack of a training room, equipments and most of all changing young people’s mindset who think that traditional songs are outdated. He currently works from his home.
“Though I teach others to sing and play instruments, I set some time a side to write my own songs and record them.” He states. One of his famous songs is ‘Igicumbi cy’umuco’.
Since October 2011 when the traditional music project began, Habiyambere has been faced with financial problems which impeded his goals. He therefore calls for sponsors and any other music lovers to help him out.
