The recently concluded Overflow Africa Worship conference gathered African worshipers, instrumentalists, and preachers from all walks of life to share the word of God, and worship. Zambian award winning gospel artiste and songwriter, Racheal Kabeba, was among the guest worship leader that graced this year’s edition and has attended the conference since its inception in 2017. Before she flew back to Zambia, the gospel music diva had an exclusive interview with Glory Iribagiza to speak about her experience in Rwanda, her blossoming career and insights into her personal life. How did you venture into music? I started my music at a very young age. I sung, from Sunday school, into the choir, did a lot of talent shows in my city, and then went to the national level as well. One of the major competitions I took part in were M-Net Pop Idol in 2003, when I was doing my final year, 12th grade. When I won that, I immediately went into music. I then got signed up with label called Fox music, and I released a 16 track album, called ‘Ulukuta’ meaning ‘Church’. I recently released my new album called ‘Christ Revealed’. It is one of the fresh project I have now, and it is doing very well back home. What else do you do besides singing? I am an entrepreneur. I run an academy called ‘Vocal House’, so I coach people. I train choirs, artists, both established and upcoming depending on their needs. I also love to mentor people, usually those ones I barely charge. What challenges have you faced while doing Gospel music? I have been offered big contracts by different people, but there are always strings attached. They either want me to change the genre of my music, or they want me to change my writing style. Believe me I am human, I have got needs, but that’s how the enemy plots. I am glad though, that by the grace of God, I have been able to triumph. Another challenge is being female, I joined the industry when I was about the age of 17. Being young, some people will despise you until you prove to them that you can deliver. So as a female, when I was put on the same platform with a guy, I had to work twice as much. How would you describe your experience at the Overflow Africa conference? There is something about Overflow Africa that is outstanding I always look forward to, I get to be refreshed, I meet other people, I learn. It’s one thing to do ministry and leave, but it’s another when you can be ministered to. What are your plans for your musical career? Racheal doesn’t see herself quitting gospel music to secular, and I don’t think it is a good idea to have a duet with a secular music artist. This is because I believe two people cannot work unless they have the same understanding. I also doesn’t think commercializing gospel music is against her values as a Christian. I have plans with some Rwandan gospel artistes that I have met like Gabby, Israel Aimee, among others. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
