Intimate Connections w/ Michael Makembe + Injonge Karangwa: Belonging

For intimate connections to occur, one has to dismantle the ideas and the barriers, real or imagined, that keep people afar from each other. The secret is to meet openly and share who we are. (Michael Makembe)

In conversation with Injonge, University of Global Health Equity, Michael shares impressions from Rwandan music. A musical experience starting in colonial time and ending today, Michael shows how Rwanda is a country of significant and rapid changes inspired by a search for healing and a vocal youth reclaiming its roots.

Michael Makembe is an artist, music producer, multi-instrumentalist and creative entrepreneur, based in Kigali, Rwanda. He collects, preserves and provides access to records and archives of Rwandan culture determined to have long-term value with his project “Sounds of Rwanda”. As he dabbles in many areas, the form doesn't matter to him as long as the content appeals to the senses, stimulates the imagination, challenges the mind, nourishes the soul and speaks to the heart. He intimately believes that music is a catalyst for change.

Injonge Karangwa is the Director of Arts and Culture in Global Health Public Engagement at the University of Global Health Equity and the founder of Hamwe Festiva, a collaborative platform for the creative and health sectors.