People:Ten Questions with VD Frank

HE is tall, dark and ruggedly handsome, you’ve seen him in movies and music videos, and his voice has been described as golden by fans and critics alike. Frank is known for his range of lyrical and vocal skills which vary from RnB to Afrobeat. Who is VD Frank and when did he first start singing?I’m called Frank Mugisha, known by the names VD frank, I’m a Rwandan Afro beat artist and a local movie actor, born in South Africa in 1985. I have been singing ever since I was a little kid. My mother used to gather all of us together and teach us gospel songs. I joined church choir when I was in primary school, in 1993, I recorded my first album titled Ntamuhanuzi Iwabo.How would you describe your musical style?I like to describe my musical style as afro beat.Who did you listen to as you grew up? Who is influencing you today?I grew up listening to all kinds of music, since everyone in the house listened to different styles of music, such as hip hop, RnB, soul, reggae, beautiful African music and today I am greatly inspired by Beanie Man and Wyclif Jean.What inspired you to sing the hit song “Nta muhanuzi iwabo”? I wrote this song after I fell out with my church choir leaders, I wanted to express my feelings, you see, it’s hard to be appreciated by your own people.How many albums do you have?So far I have four albums, Ntamuhanuzi Iwabo, Banyiramashyari, Ni kuki and Biracika Mumago yabashakanye.What do you think of the general Rwandan Music scene?It is developing every single day, and there is lots of talent.Are you married, dating or single?I’m dating, but don’t ask me about her, I try to keep her out of media.Which artist do you admire on the local music scene? I love Mavenge Sudi and Makonikoshwa.What’s your dream ride?Give me a BMW M6 convertible anytime of the day.What’s next for you?I am working on releasing a new movie, my second movie slated for 05.05.2012 titled Umutego Umutindi Ushibukana Nyirawo

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People:Ten Questions with VD Frank