BIOGRAPHY
Michael Makembe is a Rwandan musician, cultural enthusiast, and multi-instrumentalist, renowned for his creative approach to music, specifically in the field of Rwandan sampling. He is recognized for his commitment to exploring and preserving the diverse traditions of Rwanda, blending traditional elements with contemporary sounds to create a unique experience. Often associated with the icyembe, a traditional instrument, Michael's creative approach is further highlighted by his stage name "Makembe". Not just a musician, Michael is also a researcher who specializes in fusing contemporary music with traditional elements of Rwanda, actively archiving and recording Rwandan traditions.
His creativity is deeply rooted in his daily life, drawing inspiration from different communities and their unique lifestyles. With a strong connection to various instruments like the guitar, kalimba, and harmonica, Michael's creative approach is evident in his ability to play and emotionally connect with multiple instruments. His journey in music is marked by his efforts to record traditional singers from Rwanda, showcasing his dedication to both preserving and evolving within Rwandan traditions. Michael Makembe's career is marked by his dedication to archiving and revitalizing Rwandan culture and music, drawing inspiration from street performers and traditional singers as he travels extensively within the country.
Early Life And Education
Michael Makembe, born in Kigali, Rwanda, embarked on his journey in his formative years. Michael's early interactions with music were evident as he engaged in DJing at home on his computer and mixing different songs as a kid. His family had a strong connection to art and music, with his brothers playing the guitar and his mother, who is also musically inclined, playing the harmonica. Michael's early passion for music saw him play around with things that connected him with music from a young age.
Setting Foot in the Music Scene
Michael was sent to a boarding school in Uganda at the age of eight by his mother. It was during his high school years in Kampala that Michael began to seriously develop his passion for music. His unique talent and musical compositions were recognized early, leading him to form a band and perform in various festivals and competitions. His significant music contributions in school led to his school winning competitions due to his compositions and earning him scholarships, allowing him to study for free. He performed in small clubs and balanced his burgeoning music career with his studies. Michael's journey took him to different schools in Kampala, where his musical talents were instrumental in bringing change and development in music to these institutions, impacting the music culture in every school he attended.
Michael's journey in music led him to Kenya on a scholarship due to his recognized talent and contributions to music. However, his stay in Kenya was brief as he felt it wasn’t the right place for him at that time, leading to his decision to return to Kampala. Eventually, Michael joined Nyundo Music School in Rwanda, representing his family as the first person to study music. This was a significant step since his family had a strong connection to art and music. Michael was somewhat forced by his family to study music professionally, focusing on music production and performance, developing skills in playing various instruments.
The Origin of 'Makembe'
Michael chose as a stage name 'Makembe' due to his passion for the icyembe, a traditional instrument. His dedication to the icyembe resonated with local musicians and music enthusiasts, further solidifying his identity in the music scene. Michael's journey in music has been transformative, marked by his passion for the icyembe, a traditional instrument, earning him the nickname 'Makembe'. His passion for traditional music was recognized in Burundi, where his dedication to the icyembe resonated with the local musicians and music enthusiasts, further solidifying his identity in the music scene.
Gifted Multi-Instrumentalist
Michael can play a variety of instruments including the guitar, kalimba, harmonica, keyboard, balafon, and shakers. His ability to play multiple instruments has allowed him to explore and fuse modern and traditional music, becoming a renowned artist and music researcher specializing in Rwandan musical traditions. His musical journey has been deeply influenced by his family's connection to music. His brothers play the guitar, and his mother plays the harmonica, which was his initial introduction to the instrument. This familial influence has been a driving force behind his passion for music and his ability to master various instruments. His ability to play multiple instruments has allowed him to explore and fuse modern and traditional music, becoming a renowned artist and music researcher specializing in Rwandan musical traditions. His versatility with instruments has been a cornerstone of his musical journey, allowing him to create a unique blend of sounds that resonate with both traditional and contemporary audiences.
Live Performances
Michael's live performances are a testament to his innovative approach to music. He often fuses traditional songs with modern instruments, creating storytelling performances that captivate audiences. His innovative approach showcases his dedication to presenting authentic Rwandan culture in a contemporary setting. During his time as a student, Michael was actively involved with the Kigali Up Festival. Organized by the music director of Nyundo Music School, Mighty Popo, Michael regularly attended the festival. As a student from Nyundo Music School, he had the opportunity to play backup vocals for some performances and even performed alongside other musicians at the festival. Over the years, Michael's musical prowess expanded, leading him to collaborate with renowned international artists. Among them are Ismael Lô, Youssou N'Dour, Baloji, and Saul Williams. Notably, he worked with Saul Williams to score the soundtrack for the film ‘Neptune Frost’.
Crossing Paths with Ismael Lô
Michael met Ismael Lô through the Kigali Up Festival, a pivotal event in his journey. This encounter at the festival was a turning point for Michael. Ismael Lô, recognizing Michael's talent, invited him to Senegal to perform at a music festival. Michael's trip to Senegal was transformative both personally and musically. He connected deeply with the musicians there, despite language barriers, through the universal language of music. In Senegal, he was introduced to various musicians and had the opportunity to record his original songs with Ismael Lô's band.
This experience profoundly influenced his creative trajectory and instilled in him a renewed sense of purpose, urging him to return to Rwanda and bring with him the inspiration and experiences he had gathered. During his time in Senegal, Michael felt a deep connection with the musicians, even though they didn't speak the same language. This universal bond through music was a testament to the power of musical expression. The trip to Senegal not only enriched Michael's musical knowledge but also gave him a broader perspective on the interconnectedness of African musical traditions.
Preserving Rwandan Heritage
Michael's work is a testament to his role as a dedicated archivist, meticulously integrating traditional singing into contemporary recordings. This creates a harmonious connection between the time-honored sounds of Rwanda and the new musical expressions of today. As the mastermind behind "Sounds of Rwanda," he has crafted a comprehensive library that serves as a vital archive, preserving and recording the rich musical traditions of Rwanda. This monumental initiative not only showcases a spectrum of Rwandan music genres, such as Ikinimba, Umushagiriro, Imishayayo, Igishakamba, and Amashi, but it also encapsulates the very essence of the Rwanda’s musical heritage.
Driven by his commitment as an archivist, Michael has journeyed extensively throughout Rwanda, forging connections with local communities to understand and document their unique musical expressions. His approach is deeply personal; he befriends these communities, ensuring that each recording captures the genuine heart and soul of the music. In his relentless quest to archive and breathe new life into Rwandan music, Michael has unearthed talents that are deeply unique and brimming with passion. Many of these talents, often overlooked in mainstream media, possess stories and musical expressions that have profoundly resonated with Michael. Recognizing the importance of these hidden gems, he has been instrumental in introducing them to wider audiences, particularly in urban centers such as Kigali, amplifying their authentic stories and melodies.
Moreover, Michael's deep dives into various communities and their multifaceted lifestyles have fueled his creative inspiration. These rich interactions have broadened his understanding of music and culture, empowering him to craft a vibrant tapestry of Rwandan music and tradition. Through the lens of an archivist and artist, he perceives diverse lifestyles and behaviors as wellsprings of creativity, enabling him to authentically capture and showcase the essence of Rwanda's musical heritage.
Blending Tradition
With Contemporary Beats
Michael's affinity for music has been a lifelong passion, with his earliest foray into DJing on his home computer during childhood, where he eagerly experimented with mixing various songs. This initial exposure laid the groundwork for his subsequent fascination with blending and sampling music.
Much later, during his time at Nyundo Music School, Michael Makembe discovered his niche in the world of music sampling. Here, he delved deep into the art of merging traditional Rwandan sounds with modern beats, forging an innovative approach to Rwandan sampling. This unique fusion not only set him apart but also enabled him to bridge the gap between age-old rhythms and contemporary music. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional elements with modern soundscapes not only made him a renowned musician but also earned him recognition as a prominent beat-maker in the industry. Michael's musical evolution from his early DJing days to his pioneering work in sampling reflects an exceptional journey of artistry.
By sampling traditional Rwandan sounds, Michael has breathed new life into age-old rhythms, making them relevant and appealing to contemporary audiences. His prowess in sampling is evident in his creations, where he seamlessly integrates traditional elements with contemporary sounds, producing tracks that resonate with a wide range of listeners. This skill, honed at Nyundo Music School, has further solidified his reputation in the music scene, making him a sought-after beat-maker for collaborations and projects that aim to bridge the gap between the old and the new.
Notable Performances
In September 2022, Michael Makembe orchestrated a significant performance at the French Institute of Kigali, highlighting the distinctive culture, language, and lifestyle of Nkombo Island's inhabitants. Nkombo Island, located on Lake Kivu between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, is recognized for its unique musical traditions, lush green hills, and tranquil ambiance. It is the largest island in Rwanda, covering 22 square kilometers and hosting nearly 20,000 inhabitants.
To provide a vivid representation of the island's culture and ambiance, Michael brought an actual boat to the stage. This boat served as a symbolic representation of the fishermen of Nkombo Island and their work songs, which they sing during their fishing activities. The inclusion of the boat, along with the use of sand, helped create an atmosphere reminiscent of the island, allowing the audience in Kigali to connect more deeply with the stories and songs of the fishermen and women from Nkombo.
The performance aimed to introduce the authentic and untouched musical essence of Nkombo Island to a wider audience in Kigali. The island’s distinct rhythm and melody provided a diverse array of previously unexplored musical expressions. The concert was more than a musical event; it was a synthesis of Nkombo Island's unique musical elements and Michael's innovative musical approach, offering a transformative experience for the attendees and allowing them to witness a culture that is both real and natural.
This collaboration served as both a musical revelation and a cultural exchange, enabling the stories, languages, and traditions of Nkombo Island to reach a broader audience. It contributed to the preservation and appreciation of Rwanda's diverse cultural heritage. The endeavor with Nkombo Island exemplifies Michael Makembe's commitment to exploring uncharted musical landscapes and his dedication to showcasing the multifaceted musical traditions of Rwanda to the world, maintaining a harmonious balance between musical innovation and cultural preservation.
Philosophy and Impact
Michael Makembe's approach to music intertwines his deep respect for Rwandan cultural traditions with innovative practices. His journey is marked by an immersive engagement with diverse communities, where he delves into their heritage to fuse traditional elements with contemporary music. This fusion not only preserves these traditions but also introduces them to new audiences.
Michael prioritizes building genuine connections with the musicians he meets, ensuring the music captured is a heartfelt reflection of each community's spirit. His live performances offer audiences an immersive cultural experience, connecting them with Rwandan traditions and stories.
In his mission to showcase Rwanda's rich heritage, Michael has shown hidden talents, providing a platform for traditional singers to share their artistry beyond their local communities. Inspired by the poignant stories and songs of these individuals, he has facilitated performances in Kigali and other venues, fulfilling both the artists' dreams and his vision of cultural sharing.
Michael's work has a transformative impact, enriching the lives of the communities he engages with and broadening his own understanding of Rwandan culture. His initiative extends beyond personal education, aiming to inspire future generations to reconnect with their cultural roots and ensuring the legacy of Rwandan music and tradition continues to thrive. Through his efforts, Michael not only records and archives Rwanda's heritage but also creates new pathways for traditional music to inspire and educate.