Sabrina Iyadede is a Rwandan artiste based in New York, USA, and has a sound that she claims is her own -- some call it Rwandan electro-pop, a fusion of many sounds. Iyadede who has also lived in Belgium is currently in the country.

On December 9, she performed with Moize Mutangana and Kesho Band at AfroGroov’s Sunday Afro Unplugged, a live music event. She also featured in the Kigali Up Festival last September. Stephen Kalimba had a chat with her.

What inspired you to do music?

I guess it came naturally; not many people in my family sing but my mother worked as an entertainment journalist and reviewed a lot of music. We used to sing along in her old blue Beetle (Volkswagen) when she was driving us to school or running errands. That is just something we loved doing and we would sing to French music, English music, Rwandan music; everything. I learned a lot about the elements of music from my early years.

What’s your style like?

In my music, I like mixing Rwandan rhythms with other types.  I would say my sound is new, and rich. I pick something from all artistes universally…It doesn’t matter, I don’t discriminate! If you listen to my albums you will notice that it pans in many directions and that is what I like.

When was your first performance?

My first big performance was at the Luzern Jazz Festival in Switzerland where I performed with Zap Mama. My first solo performance was at the Brooklyn Museum, New York in an event organized by Somi, another Rwandan singer based there. I remember the crowd reacting positively and cheering me on.

What projects have you worked on?

I released my first album, Talking to God, in 2010. My second is The Demo, which is like a mix tape. 

Currently I am working on a new one—it doesn’t have a name yet. I have a brand new video that was shot in Nyamirambo, Kigali by New York director Ali Charlemagne. It’s called the Darkest Hour and came out December 2. We try to show case Kigali in a fun and urban way.

What’s the penetration of Rwandan Music like in the USA?

It’s down to niche audiences; people who appreciate African music. You don’t see African music playing much on mainstream radio and TV. Going by some new songs like Beyonce’s Grown Woman, there’s a growing influence by African rhythms on popular artistes outside Africa. And of course you have the classics like Fela who are celebrated in the whole world and by all types of public and DJs.     

What’s your take on the Rwandan music today?

Well it’s coming up and slowly finding identity. It’s influenced a lot by Nigeria and its fun to listen to.