Following months of speculation about the fate of TNP, one of the local music groups, it has now been confirmed that boy group is no more after one of its members confirmed that he is on course to forge a solo career. Passy Kizito, over the weekend released his first project –a video of the song ‘Mbaye wowe’ featuring Knowless Butera. The song was produced by Clement Ishimwe of Kina Music, who also confirmed that he will be working with Passy as he seeks to put his solo career on track. The video was produced by renowned local video producer Meddy Saleh. Passy, who also currently co-presents a musical show, 90 Degrees, which is aired on Rwanda television every Saturday, said the song is the first of many songs he plans to release as a solo artiste. TNP emerged in 2010, joining other groups on the local music scene including Urban Boys, Dream Boys and Just Family. The group started with three members, Tracy, Nicholas and Passy, their names making up the acronym TNP. Shortly after, Nicholas parted ways with the group and went into playing soccer fulltime, leaving Tracy and Passy in the music business together. The duo went on to produce several songs, including ‘Kamucerenge’, ‘Inamayanyu’, ‘Ndamubonye’, ‘Kubwinshi’ and ‘Ndamburiraho ibiganza’ featuring Knowless which they did in 2012. In 2015, they participated in Primus Guma Guma Superstar Season 5, in what marked the peak of their career, but after finishing 10th, there was little heard from TNP, save for a few songs such as ‘Umubiri’ and ‘Umunsi w’amateka’, which really never picked up. They also featured on several collaborations such as ‘Mu mutwe’ featuring Bulldog and Bruce Melodie and ‘Sexy Girl’, featuring Naason. After that, they decided to call time on their career as a group and took different paths. While Passy has strived to remain in the limelight, his mate Tracy is absent in the showbiz industry. In a recent interview, Passy said they took a hiatus from the group to focus on personal projects, including completing their studies. He, however, refused to deny or confirm if the TNP is now defunct. Passy also denied reports that he is signed to Kina Music but confirmed that the Kibagabaga-based label is helping him launch his solo career because he has close ties with Clement. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
