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

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