Jay Polly: Hip-hop star, talented painter

JOSHUA Tuyishime Polly, better known by his stage name Jay Polly, is among well-known Hip-hop artistes in the country - but the star has another talent that only a few people knew about.Born on July 5, 1988, Gikondo, a city suburb in Kigali, Jay Polly is a prolific visual artist, having started painting at a tender age of five, using illustration books. At the same age, he was also practicing singing in his neighbourhood church.Jay Polly and his two brothers were single-handedly raised by their mother after their father passed away when Jay Polly was only 7. Having grown up in Gikondo, the star says the environment captivated him and nurtured his talents; as a rapper and painter. Jay Polly studied painting from ETO Kicukiro for three years.“My art conveys different messages. Usually, I enjoy making art that predicts real situations that happen in the society – as well as the situation I am in. Art is like any other mode of communication but some Rwandans don’t see it that way,” said Jay Polly.Unfortunately, only a handful of Rwandans turn up for his art exhibitions, which are usually held in June and July every year. Instead, the show is mostly attended by foreigners, who are passionate about art. Jay Polly explained that he decided to organise his art exhibition in June and July because that is the season when most tourists visit the country. The rapper/painter wishes the government comes up with well coordinated projects, such as the ‘Agaseke’ for women, which support painters in the country, and the local entrepreneurs to support the entertainment sector. He, however, commended some organisations and groups supporting local artists, such as the Art Rwanda and MTN. Today, Jay Polly and his fellow painters at Ivuka and Uburanga art studios in Kacyiru and in Kimihurura, respectively, run the business. They also opened two websites where they showcase their awe-inspiring art pieces.According to Jay Polly, many artists in many African societies are either considered to be having nothing else to aspire in life, or idle citizens. Music Jay Polly started his music career in a group called Tuff Gang – which he is still a member to.The ‘Ndacyariho’ star has over 24 singles under his belt and two albums. He has also won Salax and Ijoro ry’urukundo Music awards – as Best Hip-hop Artiste. In addition, he has been nominated for Regional music awards, such as PAM Awards, and is a contestant in the ongoing Primus Guma Guma Superstar competition.He is an instrumentalist, specialising in guitar, piano and African drums. He would like to perform, where there are people who understand or would like to understand his lyrics. Jay Polly urges the youth to have a focus in whatever they set out to do in life: “Doing something with all one’s heart and mind reaps you great fruits.”

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Jay Polly: Hip-hop star, talented painter