The world might be focused on the new Coronavirus pandemic but musician Teta Diana (pictured) has recently showed no signs of resting as she seeks to rekindle her music career after several years in a hiatus, this time looking to conquer the European market.
The singer is currently in Sweden for her ongoing Europe tour as she targets to promote her latest album ‘Iwanyu’, and her music in general beyond the borders, with a mission to get a larger market and fan base.
Teta spoke to The New Times about her music mission in Europe, her experience and her projects for 2020. The excerpts below;
You have been traveling in Europe for months, what mission do you have for your music tour?
I just produced a 12-track album "Iwanyu” in Belgium, which is one of the projects I am working on. I am also currently working with a band in Sweden. We have been on a small tour recently. I am also promoting my music both in Europe and Rwanda.
Your music is going places. How do you feel when you see people out there singing along to your songs in Kinyarwanda? How do you relate to them?
Obviously, that makes me happy. Like any musician, seeing people learn my lyrics, even when they don’t know the language is one of the greatest motivations especially now in a foreign country. I’m not only sharing lyrics I’m sharing my roots and that simply means a lot to me. I haven’t had any strategy but I know music is a cross-cultural language and all I do is teach them some lyrics.
How do you manage to do music from abroad? Do you find it easy for you?
Nothing is easy, not just here but anywhere else. I learn every day and I meet a lot of challenges but I know exactly what I want and I won’t stop trying to get it. I push myself through, and I have people around me who support me.
Are you looking for new markets, audiences for your music?
Why would I? I have one already, I’m just trying to expand it. And as long as I continue singing and writing, more people will eventually continue discovering my music. I am content with the audience I have back home and in Europe. More will come in future.
Your music philosophy is quite ambitious and worthwhile. Is it working for you so far?
It is, very much actually. I see it more in live concerts and the response is always great really. I have no doubt things have worked out for me.
What plans do you have for your music in 2020?
This year I’m mainly promoting my album which so far is going so great. I have concerts coming soon and I’m hoping more dates to be booked if the situation around the world gets better.
How can people access your music?
My latest album "Iwanyu” is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Deezer and all music online streaming platforms.
Last month I sold my first physical copies of the album at a music festival I was invited to in Bruges called "Têtes-à-têtes” clips can be found on my Instagram account and I will soon upload videos on my YouTube channel. People can get my CDs at my concerts, I now make sure I always have copies with me.
A message for your fans in Rwanda?
Hobe Hobe! Ab’ iwacu muraho?