Benn loxo listener, Louise, recently returned from a vacation in Rwanda. In today’s guest post she’ll share some of the music she picked-up while there:

Any country that enjoys its Guinness warm and mixed with coke, knows how to give a mean pedicure and has a soft spot for Kenny Rodgers deserves a little Benn loxo loving. Hence, this requested guest post on a wondrous blog.

Rwanda seems to be a country that surprises visitors, particularly those who already know Africa. Conservative, dignified and bubbling over with endless spoken and unspoken tales of suffering, survival and healing, this ridiculously beautiful and densely populated little country seems to be more then a little independent in many aspects. I wonder how true this might be for the music, too.

Spend an evening swaying and hopping à la Rwandese to music that is similar and yet totally different to what is assumed to be “typically African” and you might want to know more. Reggae, Congo sounds and country music seem to be blended with an intricate local and historical folkloric tradition.

Apparently there exist unique musical traditions from all regions of Rwanda, among them, Intwatwa, Umushayayo, Imparamba, and Ikinimba (folklore). Plus consider the fact that UNESCO officially declared Rwandan national dance one of the world’s Unique Cultural Heritages.

Actually that’s very understandable. (It’s the swaying and hopping; it’s a genius combination)

The music posted was chosen by the guys at “Mickey Sound” in Nyamirambo who put together CDs upon request for some “typical Rwandan music”.

However, is there anyone out there who can really enlighten Benn Loxo on Rwanda contemporary sounds?

Masamba – Impagaza
Masamba – Agasaza
Sabizeze
Inganzo