Vianey Mushabizi – Maître of Inanga: Music from Rwanda (Antonovka Records, 2022)
Vianey Mushabizi, also known as Jean Marie Vianey Mushabizi, is a highly acclaimed inanga musician hailing from the country of Rwanda. A revered figure in the preservation of traditional Rwandan music, Vianey Mushabizi is also the uncle of the well-known musician Sophie Nzayisenga.
The album, titled “Maître of Inanga: Music from Rwanda,” was recorded at Vianey’s home in the village of Gatagara, located in the Nyanza district of the Southern Province of Rwanda, on October 4, 2018.
Throughout , Vianey Mushabizi sings engaging traditional songs accompanied by the inanga. Interestingly, the final track on the album, “Candali,” holds a special dedication to a cow that was present during the recording process. It is said that the cow mooed in response to the tune, thus adding a unique and memorable element to the recording.
The inanga, the instrument that Vianey is known for playing, is a traditional zither that is commonly played in Rwanda and its surrounding countries. This instrument is constructed with a flat soundboard that features slightly concave sides. Several notches are created on the sides of the thick rim to secure the strings in place. Typically, inangas are made with between six to eight strings.
The album includes ten tracks, each of which holds a unique name and significance in Rwandan culture. The track list includes “Song to Win”; “Mead”; “Bisangwa, Son of Rugombituri”; “Zaninka”; “Nyirabisabo”; “Together”; “Stepmother”; “The One Who Refuses to Marry”; “Urutango”; and “Candali.”
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.