Meeting Eugene Mutara

The first time you meet him, you may quickly read politics from his forehead, but not wonder voice or the great singing talent inside him. He is not only one of the smartest investigative journalists Rwanda has but also one of the promising assets leisure has in Rwandan music industry. SundayMag’s EMMA PRINCE talked to Eugene Mutara, excerpts below: SundayMag: Tell us about yourself- who is Mutara? Mutara: Am just a simple guy; never proud, never hot tempered. I like fun and charity works. I like positive minds. SM: Why do you sing? Mutara: To express my inner feelings. I find music my best option to sell my ideas to the society, to preach, to inspire and I also do it for my leisure. SM: Describe your music journey. Mutara: Full of ups and downs. My music didn’t start yesterday though I am pretty an old timer. Dancing was my fantasy in my childhood days and singing really started in my teenage years in Uganda. I made lots of vocal trainings though I had no wallet for the studio. I struggled to make it till today when am planning to launch my first album. SM: Could you let us know more about that album? Mutara: It’s a 15 track gospel album titled ‘Rescued’. It will be launched in October this year. It features songs like Humura, Ndaje, Mushumba wangye… and one non gospel ‘Mama’. It was done in ‘Justin Productions’-Remera and one song in ‘Kilulu 9 studios’. SM: How do you find it, doing music alongside your demanding work? Mutara: It’s quite challenging to evenly concentrate on both but I always carry on. The time is always limited, the work sometimes tiring and when I lay on my bed to rest, I remember that goshh…I have to head to the studio. SM: What do you think about Rwandan gospel artists who release secular songs or collaborate with secular artists? Mutara: I don’t think it is a good idea to sing about topics like sex when you are saved but still, I don’t find a problem singing inspiring secular songs. Collaborations with secular artists should be judged by the message in your release. SM: What is you proud accomplishment in your life story? Mutara: My level and commitment in salvation is my proud accomplishment. To me Jesus comes first. SM: And what is your advice to other struggling musicians. Mutara: Music is about patience and hard work. When God’s planned time comes in, we register success. SM: Send one final word to music lovers and your fans in particular. Mutara: I am ready to love, listen to and have a good relationship with my fans. I wish them the best as we look forward to that album launching day. Ends