Rwandan producer Mizzy brings traditional music, dance to 2025 Africa Week

Rwandan musician and producer Mizzy talks about upcoming performance at 2025 Africa Week during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The 2025 Africa Week, an annual celebration of African cultures in Korea, will spotlight the continent’s rich music and dance traditions during this year’s edition. Co-hosted by the Korea-Africa Foundation and The Korea Times, the event brings vibrant performances and cultural exchange to audiences in Seoul.

Among the highlights is a performance by a six-member troupe of musicians and dancers from Rwanda, who will take the stage Saturday with an energetic display of the country's cultural heritage.

The troupe’s leader, Mizzy, said the show aims to create a moment of cultural connection between Korea and Africa.

“We’re pleased to be in Korea. Come and find what we have in common,” Mizzy said in an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Friday.

The group is set to perform "intore," Rwanda’s iconic traditional dance, accompanied by "gakondo," the country's traditional music. They have brought traditional instruments, including the "inanga," a Rwandan 8-string instrument, and the "ingoma," a traditional drum.

“I know Korea has instruments similar to ours,” Mizzy said, referring to Korea’s "gayageum," a traditional zither, and the "janggu," a tradtional drum.

A musician and producer, Mizzy works to promote traditional Rwandan music both at home and abroad. He also resides part-time in Belgium, where he continues to take part in music projects as a sound artist.

“Music is a universal language. I try to highlight what we share as a community through music,” he said.

For the Seoul performance, Mizzy assembled a temporary ensemble of performers from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for Rwandan tradition, including members of Rwanda’s national ballet troupe.

A poster for the 2025 Africa Week / Courtesy of Korea-Africa Foundation

Asked about his visit to Korea, he said he had long been aware of the similarities between the two countries’ musical traditions. “That’s why I really wanted to visit Korea. I’m hoping to watch some traditional Korean performances while I’m here,” he added.

In addition to the team from Kigali, 2025 Africa Week will feature performances by Roots Djemcol, a Korean band specializing in West African Manding music, and Vuyo Gaga, a South African singer based in Korea.

Established in 2018, the Korea-Africa Foundation has organized a range of cultural programs, with Africa Week serving as its flagship event. Beyond Africa Week, the foundation also hosts the annual Korea-Africa Business Forum; supports exchanges and cooperation between Korea and African countries across public and private sectors; and publishes books on Africa. One such book will be featured in a talk session during Saturday’s program.

The event will take place at S-Factory D Hall in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.