Rwandan musical group The Good Ones recently performed on NPR Music’s well-known Tiny Desk Concerts on January 10.
During the performance, The Good Ones showcased their popular songs, including ‘The Farmer,’ ‘Mon Cheri,’ ‘Seraphinne,’ ‘You are the Prettiest Woman in the World,’ and ‘Young People Are the Future.’
The band, consisting of Adrien Kazigira, Javan Mahoro, and Jeanvier Havugimana, has gained international acclaim through collaborations with notable musicians such as Nels Cline, Tunde Adebimpe, Corin Tucker, Kevin Shields, and Joe Lally.
Discovered by Grammy-winner Ian Brennan and his wife Marilena Delli in 2009, The Good Ones’ unique musical style, influenced by local traditions and sung in their native dialect, sets them apart. Brennan recognized the band’s “precious and rare talent” during their initial meeting.
Living without electricity and using farming tools as percussion instruments, The Good Ones bring a distinctive flair to their music. Primary songwriter Adrien Kazigira and co-singer Janvier Havugimana create intricate harmonies, often compared to “worker songs from the streets” with similarities to American Bluegrass vocals. Javan Mahoro contributes background vocals and percussion.
The Good Ones’ music and original compositions have earned them global acclaim. They have been featured on various BBC-radio programs and The Netherlands VPRO national-television breakfast show. Renowned musicians such as Led Zeppelin lead-singer Robert Plant and Grammy-winning group Mumford & Sons have praised their talent.
The band has released four studio albums: “Rwanda…you see ghosts, I see sky,” “RWANDA, you should be loved,” “Rwanda Is My Home,” and “Kigali Y’ Izahabu.”
Watch their Tiny Desk Performance HERE
