Meet Rwanda’s rising hip-hop

Frank Joe is one of Rwanda’s upcoming musicians, while studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in finance, he also has his eyes set on a promising career in modeling and acting. Tell us about your self, who are you really? I am Frank “Joe” Rukundo, a 4th year student in finance at the National University of Rwanda. Am 26 years old, with a good heart and love for people around me. I also happen to be a devoted Christian. Frank Joe, was it the name given to you in church? When I was in high school {Kigali International Academy} I was found of miming to songs by American crooner Joe. My schoolmates then nicknamed me Frank Joe, when I officially joined the music industry, the fans loved the name. They in one way or another baptized me… You have a new hit, what is it about? Igendere Bwiza is the name of the track. I recorded it at One Way studio with the help of producer Happy. Actually the song is about a beautiful lady I loved, and she left me for someone else. Maybe she wasn’t meant for me, I was just wishing her the best. That is the sad side of love; you sometimes love some one who doesn’t love you back. How many tracks are attributed to you so far? They are currently seven, I’m going to Kampala to do some songs with Steve Jean, and I hope this will set my career on the right track. I also expect to do a song with Bebe Cool while am in Kampala. Being a student, a musician, and a model, how do you handle all this work? Some times it’s tiresome, but then I find myself loving the whole thing. I don’t think youth should relax and assume everything is alright; do something the country needs you. Is the money coming or is it pain without gain? Currently I am just thinking about kick starting my career, and I’m embroiled in my studies. I’ll be done this year, and God willing, you will all see the better side of my talent. Who is that girl in your life? {Laughs}…Not yet, but someone is catching my eye. It’s too early to reveal any more. What music is playing on your player? Definitely old school RnB because that’s where my music career begun. The likes of Luther Vandros, Joe, Keith Sweet, Boyz to Men, generally those people… they make my day. Do you dance to your music? Yes, and it is because I think it is worth dancing to. Again when I’m making it, my intention is to see the fans dancing to something. Which Rwandan musician do you envy? Kidumu is the man; I wish I could do a duet with him. I have a liking for the Family Squad crew, because of their flavor for dance hall. You cannot off course forget Rafiki, his style is excellent and original. What do you think is lacking in our music industry? Sponsorship, few companies are carrying the heavy load of promoting upcoming stars and their concerts. I wish the numerous private companies that are joining the business to take musicians as partners in promoting their products. But all the same it’s coming up, thanks to the hard work of some companies. What message do you leave for your fans across the country? I am going to Kampala, to make some two or so songs with the help of Steve Jean, I’ll hopefully do collaborations with some of the East African musicians. So you should expect fire when I release the next hit. To the youth; protect yourselves; Aids can shun your good dreams. Ends