The Good Ones: Tiny Desk Concert

Felix Contreras | January 17, 2024
It is difficult to merely take in a performance by the Rwandan group known as The Good Ones. The pathos of the band and the country’s recent history permeates the duo’s existence and its music.

Adrian Kazigira and Janvier Havugimana were taught music by the latter’s older brother, who then perished during the country’s brutal genocide. They formed a band as a way to process their nation’s trauma and also bring together Rwanda’s three tribes: Tutsi, Hutu, and Abatwa.

From the start, the simple guitar fingerpicking style and very sparse rhythm guide the plaintive vocals into a trance-like meditation. The music is a fascinating mix of guitar strumming that combines the kind of cyclical song form you hear on the West African kora and vocal harmonizing common to many African musical traditions.

The group’s origin story may be tragic, but The Good Ones’ determination to spread its musical message is an inspiration.

SET LIST
“The Farmer”
“Mon Cheri”
“Seraphinne, You are the Prettiest Woman in the World”
“Young People Are the Future”

MUSICIANS
Adrien Kazigira: acoustic guitar, vocals
Janvier Havugimana: percussion, guitar, vocals
Marilena Umuhoza Delli: translator, spokesperson

Marie Reed Elementary School Singers
Choir Director: Sandra Granobles
Liya Springfield
Naomi Quinn
Faria Mojeb
Markan Beshir
Ezra Beshir
Zylei Jones
Cuore Dea Umutoni Brennan
Erick Turcios-Maldonado

TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Felix Contreras, Bob Boilen
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant
Audio Assistant: Neil Tevault
Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann

#tinydesk #nprmusic #thegoodones

[stClax]

These guys sing in my mother's native language kinyarwanda (Rwandese). I've been a fan of tiny desk for years now but this one feels personal. I can feel it. I wish you guys could listen to the lyrics. So beautiful. Rwanda to the world!!! So proud of them. Thank you to tiny desk for sharing our traditional music.

[PoetClbrown]

I am a Jamaican boy. Grew up in the country side I said that to say, listening to these guys felt like I was back home listening to my fellow countrymen. A tiny language barrier, but that's all. This is the spirit of my ancestors. We are separated by merely a boat ride and the waves of the Caribbean. Beautiful!

[mattnieri]

Dude put shoes on his hands for percussion. I love this guy!!!!

[downtownjadabrown]

I downloaded a song of theirs 10 years ago on iTunes off of a 'Song of the Day' a radio station had put out. I finally found them again!!! Thanks youtube feed and NPR 🥲

[IlGattonero]

This appeared my YouTube feed, and I clicked on it, not knowing what to expect. I was captivated from the first notes; and when they started dancing, I was in tears. It’s impossible to comprehend what these humble, beautiful artists have witnessed and endured, or the stores of strength and resilience they needed, not only to survive, but also to create something hopeful and joyous out of catastrophe. Thanks to NPR for helping to bring their story and their music to the world. To the great Adrien and Janvier, my profound gratitude and respect. May they make music always and be blessed with the love and tranquility they wish for us all.

[athomeinRwanda]

I see from others' comments that I'm not the only one with tears in my eyes. I lived in Rwanda for two years and this makes me homesick for one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Murakoze cyane!

[lulumoon]

THIS is why the Internet should exist. ❤️🙏💞

[StanzaMata]

Glad to see someone from Rwanda 🇷🇼🇷🇼🇷🇼, my motherland finally performing at NPR ‘s stage. However, I never heard of these guys before but they're good! ♥️

“Uri mwiza mukobwa nakunze Sarafina wo mu Kinigi” 😅😅

[jimfaal]

Oh my God. These guys so much talented. I can't help crying watching these

[thebloodyshambles]

Been listening to them for a month or so and found this, absolutely brilliant! My love for all African music knows no bounds!

[janbrien]

From the first guitar strums, I knew I was going to like these guys. Again Thank-you Tiny Desk!

[-now-is-here]

Words escape me.
My heart has been cracked wide open.
Such incredible musicians and session.
❤ I was today years old marveling at shoes being played.
NPR You never fail to deliver the gold standard in music and musicians.
Thank you.❤

[sproutington]

This guys are so peaceful and selfless. I don’t understand the language but this is one of the best Tiny Desk.

[raverysinclair]

Truly the best Tiny Desk in a while! Lifted my spirits on this cold day.

[Africann.Queenn]

Excuse me ? Best tiny desk ever! Murakoze cyane. May god bless them and their families ♥️

[beatrizmejia]

These folks embody the amazing heart of people who have survived the worst of humanity by showing the visceral beauty that can come after it. In no way do I want to diminish them, this is what “We shall overcome” sounds like.

[AcKubaz]

What a concert. It's only so rare that you get the chance to see so much joy and pride in the face of the pain Rwanda has suffered. Much love and thank you so much, NPR. 😊

[maggiedonaldson]

A meditative sound. Thank you for shining a light on the endless variety of the human creative spirit, and for bringing performers such as these lovely gents to a wider audience

[katcarrillo]

Always grateful when the translation is available, gives me a much greater appreciation for the music and the message.

[Raven-uguw]

Glad to seeTiny Desk is returning to the truly avante garde. These guys sent warmth all through me.