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By the sounds of things, she has been a musical ambassador for Rwanda for most of her life at home and in Europe. At 15, and still at school, Kayirebwa became one of the founding members of the Rwanda Song and Dance Circle, prompting her to begin composing and singing, with the occasional broadcasts on Radio Rwanda. As an adult, she formed a choir in the North East of Rwanda with a focus on interpreting traditional Rwandan songs and preserving the country's fragile musical culture. Then in Europe, she worked with music groups performing to fellow Rwandan refugees, as well as studying traditional music at the Royal Museum of Central Africa in Belgium.

With this 2002 album Amahoro, Kayirebwa continues her rallying call, "This album is a cry, it's a complaint, it's a prayer... I'm Rwanda's daughter, I'm a mother, I'm an artist, and I cry: 'Will our children ever know peace, the real peace and happiness I used to know?'" Her lyrics are profound and poetic: the genocide is never far away, the yearning for peace, the longing of an exile.

The word I would use to describe the sound Kayirebwa creates is 'grand'. The strength of the album is The Voice. The trick for me was to listen first, only reverting to the sleeve notes for translations from Kinyarwanda afterwards. After simply enjoying the music with the heart, the translations help you hear it all over again with your head.

Kayirebwa's music is heavily influenced by the church music she grew up with as the child of Catholic parents -- the call and response of a church choir, unusual and intricate vocal melodies, staccato clapping and electric guitar and percussion weaving it all together. There are tracks that rely on that sort of easy flute, electric guitar and keyboard combo, but don't be put off, it complements the vocals and more traditional percussion through mature arrangement and seamless production.

One of the stand-out tracks is 'Impuruza' that opens with percussive clapping and vocals led by Kayirebwa. A beautiful sound that gathers pace and feeling as more voices, percussion and instruments are put into the blend. The drums are played with an exciting rhythm that traditionally marks an announcement in Rwanda. Impuruza was a title of a 1980s paper addressed to Rwandans (mainly refugees and those in exile) to encourage them to join forces and fight for their rights in their country.

And the last track -- a haunting vocal solo by Kayirebwa that shows what a master she is as a singer and writer. She stands alone singing slowly, "Exquisite jewel, rare pearl, be eternal, oh Rwanda... Dance to your happiness, oh treasure, praise yourself and sing it loud and clear."

Discography:
Rwanda - Globestyle 1994
Amahoro Paix Peace - Etna 2002

Both available at Sterns Music: www.sternsmusic.com