With a string of successful releases and a steadily growing fan base, Nel Ngabo seems consistent on an upward trajectory since his breakout hit, 'Byakoroha'. Now, Nel Ngabo - real name, Nelson Byusa Rwangabo, has graced the music scene once again with his third album, 'Life, Love & Light' which is already topping the charts. ALSO READ: Nel Ngabo drops third album ‘Life, Love & Light’ In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Nel Ngabo provides a glimpse into the creative process and inspiration behind his latest musical offering. The album is a blend of diverse genres, including Afro-pop, R&B, Amapiano, and Hip-Hop. It features different renowned artists such as Ruti Joel and P Fla. ALSO READ: Meet Nel Ngabo, fast rising music star It consists of 13 tracks that explore many elements of life, love, and personal and spiritual growth. From enticing melodies to thought-provoking lyrics, Nel Ngabo believes that 'Life, Love & Light' is one of the ways he plans to cement his status as one of Rwanda's most promising musical talents. ALSO READ: Nel Ngabo ‘enjoying the ride’ under Kina Music management Excerpts What's the inspiration behind your latest album, 'Life, Love & Light'? My latest album, 'Life, Love & Light,' draws inspiration from my surroundings, stories from friends, and the things I observe in everyday life. As the title says, it explores different aspects of life, love, and spirituality; with some tracks delving into the complexities of life and relationships, and spirituality, which by the way was my first time to feature gospel songs. How did the collaboration with your manager and other artistes contribute to the overall sound and success of the album, as well as blending different genres? Clement's expertise as a producer and the whole team actually allowed me to bring out the best in each track, ensuring that the music resonated with listeners on a deeper level. Additionally, working with talented artistes brought unique perspectives and diverse musical styles to the project. As for the different genres; I don't want to be known just for one thing. That's why I challenge myself to try different things, to remain innovative, and offer my listeners a dynamic experience. With tracks like ‘SINA’ and ‘Reka Nguteteshe’ already trending, how does it feel to see your music resonating with audiences and gaining popularity on both local airwaves and streaming platforms? When you dedicate your time and energy to creating something and see people appreciating it, the feeling is indescribable. It validates the effort and passion poured into the creation process. All the love, support, and the positive feedback, gives me a profound sense of accomplishment and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries. Knowing that my music has the power to touch people's lives and connect with them on a deep emotional level serves as a constant reminder of the importance and beauty of this creative journey. How do you think 'Life, Love & Love' differs from your previous albums, 'Ingabo' and 'RNB 360'? What growth and evolution can your fans expect from this latest release? With 'Life, Love & Love' we aimed to create a more international sound. While my other two albums focused on local sounds, this album has more English and French songs, because we wanted to expand our reach and connect with a broader global audience. Also, we explored a diverse range of genres, blending elements from different musical traditions, which for me as an artist, was a way of embracing new creative horizons as I grow. What message or emotions do you hope this album would elicit in listeners? This album's message is one of love, positivity, and introspection, which I hope listeners will take away with them. I hope the album brings you joy, stimulates self-discovery, and reminds you of the power of love and light as we navigate life's ups and downs. Above all, I hope it spreads good vibes. As a rising star in the Rwandan music scene, how has your journey been so far? What challenges have you faced, and what has kept you motivated to continue creating music? My journey in the Rwandan music scene has been both challenging and rewarding. Like many artistes, I struggled financially at the start of my career. But things have started to fall into place, thanks to the assistance of good management and consistency. The Rwandan music industry has become very competitive and demanding, requiring more dedication and persistence. But what has kept me going is my love of music and my desire to put Rwanda on the map, as a leading music hub. Looking ahead, what are your future plans as an artiste? Can we expect any exciting collaborations or projects in the near future? Looking ahead, my future plans as an artiste involve a shift in focus towards releasing more singles and exploring my own individual artistry. While collaborations have played a significant role in my musical journey, I believe it's time for me to showcase my unique voice and style. This doesn't mean that collaborations will be completely absent, but rather that I will have more singles coming up.
