The Mane Entertainment Hub, which raised several big names in Rwanda’s music industry including Safi Madiba, Queen Cha and Marina among others, will soon start operating in the US. Speaking to The New Times on Tuesday August 15, Ramadhan Mupende, commonly known as Bad Rama, the brains behind the entertainment hub, confirmed that The Mane will open in Phoenix, Arizona on August 25. The decision to open in Arizona, Bad Rama said, was inspired by The Ben’s idea and the fact that many Rwandan artistes living in the US reside in Arizona but lack the means of producing music at a low price. “Arizona simply came to my mind because it is home to many renowned Rwandan musicians like The Ben, Meddy, Kitoko, Charly na Nina, Shaffy, Emmy, Lick Lick Cedru and many upcoming artists. They all live there,” the music entrepreneur said, adding that opening the Mane in Arizona will help many Rwandan artistes based in the country produce music easily. Bad Ram further indicated that The Mane also expanded from being just a record label, to offering different services including music production, TV shows (reality shows), film production, podcasts and many others. “It's more of a label but I won't sign an artiste. We will be partnering to work together without limitations. That’s how labels are operating these days to give artistes freedom,” said Bad Rama. Bad Rama also noted that The Mane Entertainment Hub will not just work with Rwandan creatives, but also other musicians especially Africans who are based in the US who find it costly to record music in the country. “We are open to work with everyone who wants to succeed in the music career,” Bad Rama added Asked if The Mane, Kigali still operates, Bad Rama said that the music house is still working as usual and organizing different competitions that will uplift young talents in the country. The Mane, Arizona will work with different big names in Rwanda’s music industry including the likes of Producer Cedru, Lick Lick and Dayton among others.
