Jean Pierre Shyaka is a low-key, yet very charismatic person. He is one of the most multi-talented young Rwandan artistes, as is not only an aspiring traditional Rwandan artiste, but a composer of music, and a skilled musician of multiple instruments. A free spirit, Shyaka lives life on his own terms and that has given a striking depth and vibrancy to his artworks. The Art Rwanda-Ubuhanzi 2018 winner is making his mark on the Rwandan traditional, (locally known as gakondo) music industry, and is cementing his place in the genre as one to watch. As it is the trend with most musicians today, Shyaka uses YouTube to share his music with the rest of the world, and some of his hit songs include, ‘Gusaza ni ugusahurwa’, and ‘Umukundwa’, ‘Urukundo.’ Here, Shyaka opens up to Saturday Times about his journey into the music industry, why he decided to do gakondo instead of contemporary music, what his family thinks of his chosen profession, and his plans in music. Shyaka at a past event in Kigali. Courtesy. You have engaged in different roles in the music industry, yet you still operate behind the scenes. What is the reason behind that? Giggles. I have always thought that it is because of my upbringing. People often tell me that I am so quiet to be an artiste, yet to me it’s a feeling that attributes to as a newcomer in the industry. Secondly, I like the saying; “Work hard in silence and let success be your noise”, meaning that as much as an artiste, I would wish my works to speak for themselves, instead of swaggering around in bling-blings…screaming for recognition. Tell us more about your upbringing? Shyaka is a 23-year-old, and the last born in a family of five, with both parents. I graduated from Nyundo School of Art and Music in 2016 as a vocalist on a scholarship. Growing up as a young boy, I saw the talent in me, but little did I know that I would end up doing traditional music. By then, I used to sing anything that I thought of. It was just hard to find me in a group of students speaking of anything else other than from music. Therefore, I grew up loving music so music to an extent that my school would facilitate me for any inter-school music competitions, and luckily enough I brought the trophy home. Let’s talk about your journey as an upcoming artiste. Is it something that is attributed to your education or just passion? I’m glad you asked this question. I started doing music before I went to Nyundo School of music, which means that I pursued this journey before I joined the school. I always say that we are driven by passion and then maybe later education contributes to that. But if you want to weigh the two I believe that passion will outweigh education. Actually, this is why you will see a number of people venturing into sectors out of there education background. Because even if you study and excel in something you are not passionate about you will always find ways that link you back—at least from experience. I did electronics in my secondary school and that was in in 2013-2016. You have released a number of singles, what is the motivation behind the pace? The love of what I am doing, precisely. Basically, I believe that motivation is very much related to an artiste’s attachment to what they are doing. If you love something, obviously you will find ways to do it regardless of all odds. Secondly, the feedback from my fans. It doesn’t mean that if you are not hailed by the fans it should demotivate you, but as a rising artiste it is always pleasant to see a crowd going mad because of you. Traditional music has been referred to as a genre for the adults. What was the inspiration for you? I have failed to consider people’s perceptions in this case. Because for me choosing traditional music as a career I felt like its one genre that literally connects someone to Rwandan values, the culture, pride, the history of the nation among others. Besides, if there is something that most people actually don’t know it must be the fact traditional music is very much people relating. Ranging from the tone to the melody of the music, you find that there is always that aspect of people connecting to the message. Maybe the other thing to say here is that people it’s always important for someone to sing something they understand best. Therefore if you are singing your own culture it gives you an extent of confidence more than other artistes. What is your best memory so far in the industry? I can’t say that as an artiste I have achieved a lot. But at least there is a promising future from what I have been able to achieve, especially with the few awards that I was able to take home. To start with, I may say that the biggest award for me was when I emerged the overall winner in the category of Music and Drama, at the Ubuhanzi-Art-Rwanda competition, last year. Being selected as the best artiste in the country was not something I ever imagined. I was overwhelmed when I received the award from the First Lady Jeannette Kagame, and it has motivated me to work so much to become a great musician. Do you have any constraints you would like to share with us? On a personal level I don’t think so. But I think like you put it, there are always inevitable challenges in all industries. Some factors such as inefficient material, few artistes with the right standardised skills, feedback from some fans, financial support will never come to an end. But this is something that artistes are trained to cope up with. Do you have any message for youth? I would like to encourage my fellow youth to be confident in themselves, work hard and make their dreams come true. I believe any landmark is attached to the passion and commitment one puts into what they love. Also, they should be aware that there will always be challenges along the way, people discouraging them from pursuing their dreams. But if you show an impact, many will find reason in believing in you. Success does not come on a silver platter, there must be a certain level of sacrifice and commitment invested. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
