Florida Uwera

Florida Uwera, a Rwandan princess in exile in Bujumbura (Burundi) since 1959, author, composer and outstanding performer of the traditional music of her country, was introduced at a tender age to singing and music on those occasions of vigil that the royal family organized for official ceremonies. It was during these functions that she happened to encounter Kerekesi, the most important guitarist in Rwanda and later to sing with his accompaniment. For many years she formed a duet with her brother Gérard Rwigemera, a renowned composer, performing traditional melodies ibihizo (of love) and songs ibyivugo (of praise). Her voice is quite exceptional and is considered by her people to be the "fruit of many generations". In her improvisations she has oft been inspired by the music of the Batwa Pygmies whom she regards to be musicians par excellence.