The Rhythm of Lac Milayi

During my visit to Bugesera District, at the quiet yet lively Lac Milayi, I witnessed a community deeply connected to the water. The lake was alive with motion men and women paddling their traditional wooden boats, some carrying food like bananas across the calm surface, others casting nets with patience and hope.

I didn’t get the chance to speak with each of them, but their rhythm said everything. The soft splashes of paddles, the weight of their daily work, and the quiet pride in their movements all spoke of resilience. Through these paintings, I wanted to capture that moment the harmony between people, nature, and survival.

Each brushstroke carries the stillness of the lake and the strength of those who depend on it. Their story reminds us that work done with purpose, no matter how humble, sustains both families and spirit.