Fatshimetrie had the privilege of attending an exceptional event in Kigali: the performance of the writer Gaël Faye at the Gisozi National Memorial for a musical reading of his novel “Jacaranda”. This Franco-Rwandan artist, recently awarded the Renaudot literary prize, captivated his audience and offered them a moment of profound intensity.
Standing in front of his audience, Gaël Faye began reading his work, accompanied by his guitarist Samuel Kamanzi. The spectators, among whom was Tonya Marty Intumwa, expressed their pride in seeing this evocative story honored with such a prestigious award: “It is a book that highlights the truth and reality of our history, and that is crucial! We dive into an indescribable emotion, as if we were transported to that time. It allows us to better understand what our ancestors experienced.”
Gaël Faye, through his readings, offers an authentic vision of the reconstruction phase that followed the genocide. His descriptions of Kigali, particularly through the symbol of the jacaranda, deeply touched Aubaine Hirwa, who fully recognizes himself in this representation of Rwandan reality: “We are familiar with the jacaranda, which is often found in our neighborhoods. Gaël Faye’s story speaks to us, as Rwandans of the Great Lakes. It is a poignant tribute to our past and our memories.”
The stage of the Gisozi memorial, a place of remembrance for the more than 250,000 victims of the genocide, vibrated to the sound of Gaël Faye’s readings and slams. The artist expressed his deep gratitude to be present in this place full of history: “It is an honor to perform here, and I feel the responsibility to pay tribute to those who lived through these tragedies.”
Every year, during the hundred days of commemoration, the flame of remembrance burns at the Gisozi memorial, reminding everyone of the duty of remembrance towards the disappeared. The presence of Gaël Faye and his musical reading of “Jacaranda” offered a moment of sharing, emotion and reflection, testifying to the power of art through the prism of History.