Meet genius producer Dr Jacques

Brian Kimenyi meets producer Dr Jacques Uwayezu and finds out what inspired him to join the music industry He is one of the pioneer Producers and musicians that have graced this land. He is the reason behind the high influx of local musicians on our airwaves. The 5’6 foot producer was born on November 1, 1981 in Gikondo outskirts of Kigali. He still cries when he remembers his late mum Julien Mukabalisa. “When we were young, we did a lot of things. We played football, hide and seek and threw stones and mud balls at each other. But my favorite was making drums from Nido tins which I used to make beats for my friends while they listened to the sound of the tins,” he recalls. Since then, the soft spoken music maestro has produced hundreds of songs for hundreds of other musicians in Rwanda and the rest of the Great Lakes Region. He says: “I’ve been lucky to meet many musicians because I have a keen interest in music, mainly underground musicians.” He is the man behind the success of rap star Riderman’s introduction into the music industry. Dr. Jacques was lucky to meet Jackson Dad (Jackson Production), also still in the field in 2002 and since then, he hasn’t looked back. “the first time I met him, he emphasised I watch what he is doing, and ask where I don’t I don’t follow, I think he trusted my acumen” he remarks. Despite the success he has attained in the few years he’s been in the studio, the sky he says is the limit. “I wish to be a better music producer, create my own studio and school, where music would be taught to Rwandese young stars.” The studio (Ubuntu Studio) where Dr. Jacques produces is owned by Association modeste et Innocent {AMI}. It is located in Butare town of the southern province. Since he kicked off his career, the 27 year old producer cum musician says he had never enjoyed what he is doing like now. He says, “The way I do my work and even my life have drastically changed ever since I changed grounds and came here {Butare}. ” He goes on to add that, “when I was in Kigali, I wasn’t really into my work because I lacked a good studio to emphasize my ability. Here I have found a base, actually it more like my home.” Unfortunately, the music industry today is packed with prison drama, and Dr. Jacques isn’t an island. In 1999 he was imprisoned for a period of 12months and later released. I was wrongly accused by one of my Partners. It is jealous and fear of competition that caused it. It is the worst time of my career,” he says of the incident. But it is not hate for his peers that make him fail to get an outstanding producer in Rwanda. “None of the producers here do work that is really admirable, but together we shall make it just like other countries managed.” Regionally he acknowledges Steve Jean of Uganda and Ogopa DJs of Kenya. The works of international producers like Dr. Dre, Timberland and Akon are an inspiration. Ends