Nigerian Afrobeat star Patoranking on Sunday, October 16, held discussions with different players in Rwanda’s creative industry which has in the past two years experienced a huge boost. Dubbed ‘OpenMicSession with Creatives,’ the event attracted fashion designers, music producers, journalists, music promoters, artistes and many others who are pushing the industry to greater heights. According to UNDP Rwanda, organisers of Open Mic, the purpose of this discussion is to create a platform that allows home grown artists to meet and learn from big artistes across the continent. Speaking at the session which took place at Atelier Kimihurura, Kigali, Patoranking recognised players in the music industry who contributed to the rise of Rwandan music which is making its rounds everywhere on the African continent and beyond. He said that the progress of Rwandan music is one of the reasons he likes visiting and staying in Rwanda, “I love the music and culture here which is why I always want to visit Rwanda,” the Nigerian star clarified. Patoranking also called Rwandan musicians to work together saying that it’s the road to success in the music industry. According to Jack Muligande, director of Nyundo school of Arts and Music, meeting and having discussions with one of the greatest musicians in Africa is a nice move that will help many musicians grow musically and financially. “It was very interesting to have a conversation about the art of music and the development of artists in Africa. We have learnt a lot about him,” he said. For Chris Neat, one of the few female producers in Rwanda, the key to success in the industry is to never give up and create different kinds of music as Patoranking did. Chris who recently signed with Ibisumizi Records also urged females to join the music industry which lacks participation of females. “I have learnt a lot in this discussion, especially the importance of having a vision and not switching sides in the music business. This was a necessity!” producer Clement Ishimwe said. The conversation attracted top players in the music industry such as Bruce Intore, founder of Intore Ent, Clement Ishimwe, producer and founder of Kina Music, Kivumbi King, producer Element, Noopja, Mushyoma Joseph among many others. Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie popularly known as Patoranking was in Kigali to perform at Youth Connect Africa Summit that just concluded in Kigali.
