He was voted the Best Artist of the Year (2009), during the recent Rwanda Music Awards (RMA). He is also best described as a talented musician and composer. The Ben, (real name Ben Mugisha) was born in Kampala, Uganda and raised in Rwanda. He is a star in Rwandan music. Blessed with a golden voice he’s worked with the country’s renowned groups and artists in popular music. The Ben is a very mainstream artist. He has won over the nation’s hearts with his powerful voice and lustrous youthful looks. The multi-talented musician, who composes his own songs, is leading Rwanda’s music industry. The star came to fame this year, with his thrilling tracks such as ‘Amahirwe Yambere’. “I’ve always heard about music awards but never saw myself winning one,” the 21year old with a voice that sounds like he feeds on honey and row eggs, says in a low tone. “Thanks to my fans for voting me Best Artist of the Year.” At the grand finale of RMA, The Ben walked away with a prize of $500 and a return ticket for a holiday in South Africa. “I can’t stop thanking my fans because they are the ones who made it happen.” In many ways, it was always predictable, sooner or later, one way or the other, The Ben was going to have Rwanda’s music in his palm. You can’t possess a voice like his - a voice with the profundity of Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly, without reaching a mainstream audience at some point. The Ben started his music career from a Sunday school choir. At the end of this month be in Belgium for a concert. Fly on man! Ends
