Rwanda’s music industry can do better

The music industry in Rwanda is growing very fast both at home and in the region. Many youths have been attracted into the trade and this may be the cause or a result of its sporadic growth in recent years. R&B, dance-pop, rap and ragga among others, are some of the music genres that have hit the music scene with a bang. The industry is defined by the artistes, type of music they play and maybe the awards they win. The music producers or studios where the artistes record the music are never taken into account. It is however never right to underestimate the music producers` input in any single or album. Despite musicians work, it is hard to come-up with one’s own music. Their producers too are responsible for the quality out-put. Many new groups and solo artists, have come-up with assistance of different music producers. Music production work is among the significant factors that can either promote or even cause the down fall of any artiste, depending on music out-put. “Music production works include voicing, editing and instrumental limits among others. Upon working on any song, artistes make consultations not only with the manager but even the producer,” says music producer Rain Mozey of One Way Production music studio in Remera. With over 18 years’ experience in the music industry, Mozey says Rwandan artistes can even do better provided they get promoters. “The music industry in Rwanda can grow to greater heights provided the musicians devise means of being promoted,” says Mozey, whose music career started in South Africa at the School of Music in Pretoria. He points out that the biggest challenge faced by artistes, is lack of funds to record music and hence promote their careers. “I have managed to promote many young talented musicians who at the time could not afford the service,” he said. These include; Sergeant Robert, Tom Close, Alpha, The Ben, and Eric Senderi among others. However, he notes that there is need for Rwandans to love their own music to ensure that musicians can effectively compete in the region. He argues that this is the only way to promote the music industry. “It’s unfortunate that some people value singers from other countries or even within the region more than their own,” he says, adding that upon invitation to perform on certain occasions, such musicians are highly paid compared to the local artistes. “This means that you are promoting outsiders than our people. Those artistes became stars in their respective countries before they started to explore other countries. It is therefore our turn to make ours popular too,” he notes. However, he realizes that for musicians in Rwanda to win over promoters, the music played should also be of importance to the society. He says, “Artists should come-up with music that has importance to the society. It should have a message, be educative and interesting.” Mozey cites the need for local musicians to also fight hard to produce music not only for Rwandans, but for the region and beyond. “We are in the East African Community, it is not only the Rwandans in Rwanda that should be our focus, but a mixture of different people speaking Kinya-rwanda, English, Swahili and French among others,” he says. He asserts that this will help Rwandan musicians not only to participate in the region during music competitions, but also to hold shows in other countries. “Juliana Kanyomozi, Mozey Radio and Weasel among others are highly paid whenever they stage shows within the region. This can as well work with us when we reach such standards,” says Mozey. Mozey is proud of the work he has done to promote musicians like The Ben, Tom Close and Alpha Rwirangira among others. You can promote any musician too, by attending their show or purchasing their CDs. Who knows? Ends