Rwanda: Victor Rukotana Bets On Gakondo Music to Take Rwandan Culture Global

What the report says

Rwandan musician Victor Rukotana is using his debut album, Imararungu, and a new concert initiative to promote Gakondo, the country’s traditional music, as both a cultural expression and a growing creative industry. According to The New Times, the 10-track album released in 2025 helped solidify his view that traditional music can appeal to younger listeners while also reaching audiences outside Rwanda.

Building on that momentum, Rukotana launched “Dutarame u Rwanda,” a monthly concert series held on the last Friday of each month. The events bring together Gakondo performers, cultural enthusiasts and audiences interested in Rwandan heritage. The article says early editions were held at Onomo Hotel in Kigali and were designed to create a more regular place for traditional music in the country’s entertainment scene.

Rukotana’s goals go beyond staging concerts. He wants the project to support young artists, strengthen the economics around Gakondo and help Rwanda present its culture internationally. He also sees potential for collaboration with the tourism and creative sectors, and argues that traditional music should be part of everyday entertainment rather than limited to ceremonial settings.

The New Times also reported that the project has drawn interest from Darrell Kofkin of the University of Westminster, who sees opportunities for cultural exchange, student engagement and international exposure for Rwandan artists. More broadly, the story reflects Rwanda’s wider efforts to use music, film, fashion and other creative work to shape how the country is seen abroad.