Kenneth Kalisa, 26, is a gospel vocalist who uses his talent to minister to God. He is also a vocal coach that heads a singing platform known as ‘Throne Room Vocals’. He shared his singing and training journey. Kindly describe yourself briefly I am a proud Christian, Rwandan by nationality, and a gospel vocalist and vocal trainer. I fellowship with Jubilee Revival Assembly church where I minister in praise and worship. I am the leader of Changers Worship Family-a group of singers from different Christian churches. I also own a platform called ‘Throne Room Vocals’ that coaches and assists gospel singers. I am the music director and conductor of music at Africa Let’s Worship (AFLEWO) Rwanda. Take us through your music journey I started singing at the age of four when I was in Sunday school at Rwanda For Jesus in 1999. From then till now, I am still singing and I will never stop. It wasn’t an easy journey because I lacked support from my family, until they actually noticed my talent. How is it like to be a vocal instructor? First, it is my passion, and secondly, vocal instruction (coaching, conduction, direction) requires a coach to expose a singer to their vocal abilities and strengths. Regardless of how many singers are in one place, everyone has their own uniqueness that is unsimilar to the other. I get to know the singer first and then expose their hidden potential. With talent, being a good singer is very possible. The only thing that helps them become the best they desired to be, is skills and that’s what I give and help them understand what they learn. Vocal instructors need to be trained so that they can train others what they know and understand and then get a certificate that proves that they are trainers. You need to create a coaching platform so that everyone that needs any skills in music can be able to reach out to you easily. Did you pursue any course in music? I didn’t get a chance to attend specific schools that teach music but I took lessons from professional vocal trainers including the late Pastor Martin Butarama, who taught me since I was young, an American trainer, Vashti Bell who helped me in 2013 with harmonization, as well as Francois and Pacis Ndahiro who introduced me of classic music. Singer Rene Patrick also helped me in vocal abilities’ discovery, among others. What is your message to aspiring singers? Everyone has a story and testimony to tell and that difference brings the aroma and power of greatness in us. Let’s learn to discover our uniqueness and use it to serve others. As long as you are still alive, the sky isn’t the limit but your determination is your only limit.
