The Ben talks music, love life and returning home

Remarkably handsome, charming and full of talent is what sums up Ben Mugisha aka The Ben, one of Rwanda’s top RnB artists. It was not long ago that he embarked on his musical career and has steadily managed to be at the top of his game cementing a household name on the musical scene.

Saturday, February 20, 2016
The Ben and Priscilla recording their popular hit song Ntacyadutanya. (Net photo)

Remarkably handsome, charming and full of talent is what sums up Ben Mugisha aka The Ben, one of Rwanda’s top RnB artists. It was not long ago that he embarked on his musical career and has steadily managed to be at the top of his game cementing a household name on the musical scene.

The star is currently based in the US but that has not stopped him from thrilling his fans, in fact one would only observe that being miles away only made him stretch for the best.

Rewinding his musical journey, Mugisha says, "It was in 2007 that I entered the music industry though I had already started singing when I was little that’s why I can’t say that I chose music because I believe it chose me and I fell in love with it.”

The RnB singer has released a number of songs such as Wigenda, Amaaso ku maaso, Zoubeda among others.

Despite him being miles away he has managed to top charts with songs like I am in love, Ndi uwi I Kigali, Ko Nahindutse and Ntacyadutanya which is his latest and it has been a frequent play on the airwaves.

"I have released a lot of songs and my latest song is always my favorite thus Ntacyadutanya is my favorite one now however konahindutse has so much power in me for some reasons,” Mugisha points out.

As with any other pursuit, there is no such thing as a smooth sail because rough encounters are bound to occur.

For Mugisha, however the road to his success hasn’t been that rough apart from a change in the way he is living his life which he isn’t so proud of.

"The only challenge I keep facing up to now is not going to church as I used to yet I grew up in a very conservative family where God means everything to us and I miss that a lot.

"Other than that I have been so fortunate with people around me who never doubted me and instead supported and believed in me like no one else since day one, may God bless them tremendously,” the songster adds.

The Ben.

With the period he has been a part of the music industry, the number one thing he is most grateful for is gaining experience; this he says has helped him with how to improve his talent by improving the quality of his music and giving his fans a variety.

How Ntacyadutanya happened

"Priscilla and I talked about our collabo way back when we were still at home (Rwanda) and obviously it had been fans that were highly requesting for it for years, so Ntacyadutanya happened,” he reveals.

The hit was aimed at making his fans happy, "My fans made me and I am forever grateful, that’s why this song was a treat I offered them in return for the strong love and support they have showed me.”

"We just do what makes our fans and supporters happy because we work for them. The song has turned out to be a great one and in fact it has brought greater excitement than expected.”

R-Kelly inspiration

He says that within Rwanda he is interested in making more collabos with anybody as long there’s a good vibe and obviously outside of Rwanda he would wish to collaborate with great artists the likes of R. Kelly.

"R. Kelly is a great artist and I also want to be as great that’s why he sets for me an inspiration,” the singer reveals.

Love life

The superstar is still single but hopes that one day he will find his soul mate, settle and start up a family but in the meantime his focus is on becoming a music legend.

"I’m not seeing anyone right now but love will eventually happen one day.

The Ben. Net photos)

I want somebody to fall in love with, have kids with and all of that but I don’t want to rush it, pretty much what I’m saying is I want my next girlfriend to be my lifetime soul mate! Hopefully and I’m praying to God as I’m patiently waiting for her,” the RnB star discloses.

"I am coming home soon”

The singer’s plans involve coming back home and focusing on his music.

"I went to the US in 2010 and decided to stay there for a better education as I am now currently pursuing my degree in Public Health, as for my music I aimed at making it international however I am planning to come back and I am planning this soon.”

"My future plans in my music career involve being able to give back to society and aim at making them proud. I also want to focus on building my legacy in the music industry to the highest level possible, right now I’m focused on becoming a legend, a music icon that Rwanda has ever had, "he adds.

His awards

He was named Rwanda’s most promising star by "The East African” a Kenyan newspaper in 2007. The Ben also scooped the Best R&B Singer of the Year at the Salax Music Awards in 2008-2009 and also won the best R&B Singer and Best Male artist of the year 2009-2010. In 2010-2011, he received a Salax Award song of the year (Zoubeda).

While in 2011-2012, he was voted the Best Music Artist in the Diaspora.