Rwandan Gakondo singer Joel Ruti will, on Tuesday December 26, launch his album 'Musomandera'. In honour of his album launch, The New Times caught up with him for a chat about his music career, challenges, proud moments, and plans.

When did you begin your music career?

As an artiste, it’s been three years doing music, but I started learning music in 2013. I joined Gakondo Group comprised of Masamba Intore, Jules Sentore, Diana Teta, and Viktor Rukotana. That’s where I began and learnt how to compose songs. I also had coaches like Massamba who would ensure that I understood everything.

What mindset did you start your music career with?

I was calm and patient. And that’s the advice I always want to give to my fellow youth especially those who want to do music like Gakondo. I always had a mindset of learning different things.

Which period do you consider to be the breakthrough of your career?

I was lucky. The first song I did with my brothers called ‘Diyarabi’ reached many people. It was written by me, and Jules mastered it. It’s a good thing for a first song to be loved. After that, I had others that didn’t make it to the top charts. I later created another banger called ‘Igikobwa’ which opened many doors for me.

Have you met challenges in your music career or has it been a smooth ride?

I’ve met lots of challenges which happen at the beginning of almost everything. It’s not easy at all. First, you are a child, you come from school, you go to Itorero - a traditional dance class- from that you go to another of singing - Gakondo - and you walk your way home on your feet. It’s a struggle to achieve what you want.

Sometimes your songs are not circulated enough because they want to see that you are a consistent person. Sometimes getting money to go to the studio and finding stable management is a tough road to walk down to.

To achieve all of that, people like to say that it takes endurance, but you can’t endure for something you don’t love. You must love what you do, it’s what helps you to endure it.

What are your four proudest moments in the music?

The first is that the first song I recorded became a hit. The second is that I’m a young man of 27 years but everywhere I pass they call me ‘Intore’ the chosen. It pleases me very much. The third thing is recording a song that was liked by girls in Rwanda. The fourth is that I sang about my mother on my album 'Musomandera.'

"I will bring the Grammy award in Rwanda’ What do you think about these words from Bruce Melodie?

I will also bring the Grammy award for the Rwandan culture because the Gakondo genre must go overseas and not only win the Grammy award but even BET and others. So Igitangaza (Bruce Melodie) should bring it, but people must sing about me when I win that award.

What are your views about mental health issues affecting young people today?

Mental Health issues exist, and I have had my friends struggle with it, but a person should have a limit. It’s unhealthy to overthink the words you don’t have an answer for.

If you don’t have an answer to some things give it time. You must know that times are led by God, not a person. Just do what you have to do at the right time.