Clarisse Karasira, a renowned Rwandan traditional vocalist, recently announced her upcoming album, titled ‘Bakundwa,’ which translates to ‘beloved.’
The talented artist, currently residing in the United States, shared this exciting news with her Instagram followers.
In her post, she provided a list of the songs included on the album, expressing her anticipation and stating that these songs were bestowed upon her in a miraculous manner. Her intention is for these songs to touch the hearts of listeners by conveying messages of life, guidance, solace, advice, wisdom, and spirituality.
Comprising ten deeply moving tracks, this masterpiece diverges from the prevalent modern beats and digital soundscapes that dominate the music scene today, thereby highlighting the traditional genre that often goes unnoticed. By incorporating traditional elements into the album, Clarisse Karasira aims to emphasize the cultural significance within Rwandan traditions.
The singer herself describes ‘Bakundwa’ as a distinctive album carrying a powerful message. Its unique collection of songs embraces our traditional style in an acoustic manner, showcasing the beauty of African life, which is often overlooked and undervalued.
Clarisse Karasira chose to title her album “Bakundwa” because of her deep affection for the word and its connection to her relationship with her fans. In her own words, she revealed that she often uses ‘Bakundwa’ as a term of endearment when addressing her loyal supporters. “The word holds a special place in my heart and reflects the strong bond I share with my fans,” she said.
The singer currently works under her husband’s new music company called -The Creative Starts’ she said “I drew the inspiration from the richness of Rwandan culture and Africans’ general lifestyle. Each track is carefully crafted to evoke a sense of nostalgia, taking listeners on a journey through the vivid imagery of everyday life.”
Karasira’s dedication to authenticity and heartfelt storytelling has music enthusiasts eagerly awaiting to release her masterpiece next month and is expecting an introspective and soul-stirring experience.
“The album launch will be a platform for showcasing the beauty and depth of Rwandan traditional music, allowing listeners mostly Rwandans to connect with their cultural roots as well as fostering a sense of cultural pride, promote understanding and appreciation of Rwandan traditions and build bridges between communities worldwide.” she said.
Born in 1997 and raised in Masaka sector in Kicukiro district, Kigali City, She draws inspiration from her idols including iconic Cecile Kayirebwa, Anonciata Mutamuriza commonly known as ‘Kamaliza’ and South African singer Zenzile Miriam Makeba nicknamed’ Mama Africa’.
Karasira embarked on her professional career in 2018, with her single debut ‘Ntizagushuke’, and proved that her talent would not be short-lived. With a voice that resonates with depth and emotion, she skillfully weaves together melodies that capture the essence of human experiences, from love and loss to resilience and joy.
The third album after ‘Inama y’Umutima’ and ‘Mama Africa’, the upcoming musical masterpiece not only pays homage to the rich heritage of traditional music but also showcases Kararissa’s captivating vocals and her deep connection to her cultural roots.
