Rwandan Star Takes Gakondo Global
Victor Rukotana's monthly concert series 'Dutarame u Rwanda' aims to preserve and elevate traditional Rwandan music with a debut album and global vision
Rwandan musician Victor Rukotana is on a mission to take Gakondo music global, and his latest initiative is a monthly concert series called 'Dutarame u Rwanda'. The series, held on the last Friday of every month, brings together Gakondo musicians, cultural enthusiasts, and audiences seeking to connect through Rwandan culture.
The concert series is an extension of Rukotana's debut album Imararungu, released in 2025, which features 10 tracks and marked a turning point in his career. The album's reception gave him the confidence to pursue the Gakondo genre more aggressively and inspired him to think about creating an ecosystem around the music.
Through 'Dutarame u Rwanda', Rukotana wants to develop the Gakondo music economy and nurture young artists. He believes that traditional music should be accessible in entertainment spaces where young people and visitors can experience it naturally. The first and second editions of the concert series took place on August 28 at Onomo Hotel, setting the stage for a regular cultural event that showcases Rwanda's rich musical heritage.
Rukotana sees Gakondo as one of Rwanda's strongest cultural identifiers and wants to take it global without abandoning its original sound. He envisions 'Dutarame u Rwanda' as a platform for using culture as a vehicle to tell Rwanda's story to the world. By preserving and elevating Gakondo music, Rukotana hopes to create a new generation of listeners and find an audience beyond Rwanda's borders.
## Why it matters The initiative is significant because it aims to promote Rwandan culture and music on a global scale. By creating an ecosystem around Gakondo music, Rukotana is helping to establish a culture of regular traditional music concerts, similar to established genres. This not only benefits the music industry but also provides a platform for young artists to showcase their talent and connect with audiences worldwide.
The success of 'Dutarame u Rwanda' could have a positive impact on Rwanda's entertainment industry, promoting cultural exchange and understanding between Rwanda and the rest of the world. As Rukotana continues to push the boundaries of Gakondo music, his initiative has the potential to inspire a new generation of musicians and music lovers, both in Rwanda and globally.
