IT’S BEEN A YEAR, or so, since singer Jean-Claude Mujyanama, commonly known by stage name TMC, left for the United States to start a new life without his former Dream Boys’ counterpart Platini Nemeye. His departure marked the end of Dream Boys and a series of questions followed as to whether Platini would succeed without TMC. It didn’t take him long, however, to prove doubters wrong. The singer is already establishing himself among the best in Rwanda with hits that dominated local stations’ airwaves on the course. A similar concern, however, pointed towards his former crew member TMC who has been settling for his Masters’ studies in Data Science at Eastern University in Pennsylvania State. His fans were worried about the future of his music until he released his brand new love song ‘Uwantwaye’ on Monday, April 19, which was a result of a remarkable reunion with his old producer Isaac Mbabazi, alias Lick Lick, who did the audio for the song. Speaking to The New Times, TMC speaks about life after Dream Boys, his new song, and the future of his music without Platini. Excerpts: How has life been like for you since you moved to the United States? It wasn’t easy changing the environment and starting a new life (without Dream Boys) but I’ve got family and many friends here…it was somehow easy for me to settle. Tell us more about your new song The inspiration is about love. When I came here to the United States, I got a chance to attend and perform at different weddings and that is where I got the inspiration. The audio of the song was produced by Lick Lick and the video was directed by Sam Kent. What does a reunion with Producer Lick Lick mean for your music? It’s been nine years without working together, so I was blessed to work with him again. There have been rumors that you switched to gospel music. Is that true? I didn’t switch to gospel music. If you remember even while I was in Rwanda, I was releasing gospel songs since 2015 because it’s been part of my life. The only thing that I say about that is that, nowadays, I’m a bit careful regarding the message I deliver because there are topics that I can no longer sing about. How does it feel to pursue a solo career after over a decade with Dream Boys? A solo career of course is not easy. I spent 11 years with Platini during which we shared everything…house, thoughts, and everything that has to do with music. But now, going solo is a challenge that I have to face and hopefully, things will work. What memories do you have with Platini during your days together in Dream Boys? I spent a big part of my life with Platini. Can you imagine things that happened within 11 years doing music together? So many. The only thing that I can tell you is that we are brothers, we have things in common and our families know each other. We went beyond music and became a family. We’ve got to be brothers. What should your music supporters expect from this new journey? I need their support and I promise to give them quality music in terms of production and melodies. Though I am pursuing my studies, I will be trying to be consistent in releasing songs. I miss them of course but I believe my music will keep us connected.
