Rwanda: Kigali Jazz Junction to celebrate women in music

Kigali Jazz Junction founder and curator Remmy Lubega said although French zouk singer Medhy Custos would headline the event, the festival’s programming would also pay homage to women’s contribution to music by featuring saxophonist Stella Tushabe and Swiss-based Afro-fusion artist Diana Teta.

“The goal of the event is to bring out Kigali Jazz Junction as a platform that promotes female talent in this country,” he said. “This is advocacy that is supposed to be championed by everyone and particularly stakeholders in the music industry. For instance, Rwanda’s live music scene does not have the full-time participation of female instrumentalists. Most female artists are vocalists.”

Lubega said he saw an excellent opportunity to carry on with the International Women’s Day theme by showcasing influential Rwandese women.

“Tushabe is passionate about her work and we have seen her grow over the past five years," he said. "She previously accompanied great jazz musicians such as Uganda’s Isaiah Katumwa in their sets at this event, but for the first time she will have her own set for almost one hour accompanied by the Neptunez Band.

“As for Teta, we refer to her as a 'world-class Afro artist' because her diversity has enabled her to travel around the world. It's important that we celebrate how she has pushed herself to work with different musicians from around the world. We do not doubt that the audience will appreciate them in their own right.”

Tushabe said she was excited to return to the event for a third time. “It’s a pleasure to be sharing the stage with Custos," she said. "Kigali Jazz is giving a platform for female musicians, and such an opportunity is everything that talent needs to thrive, not just for me for me but for every artist out there. It is commendable.

“There are many women out there who are talented enough to be trusted for big-stage performances, but we need to create more opportunities such as this one. I play music that appeals to me and thankfully it appeals to my audience as well.”

View the Kigali Jazz Junction event here.