Since hitting the limelight with their 2012 hit Ikirori alongside Victor Fidèle and Fikiri Nshimiyimana, aka Ziggy55, Danny Vumbi, born Daniel Semivumbi, has become a household name in the music industry. 

The singer and guitarist started his career in 2004, as a member of the all boy band-The Brothers before embarking on a solo career that has seen him produce several singles and collaborations with renowned local musicians.

Ni Danger by Danny Vumbi. Source: YouTube/Afrifame

Danny Vumbi’s songs, such as Ni Danger and Baragowe have enjoyed massive airplay.The singer, who is known for his smooth voice— narrates how he started singing and his future plans as a solo singer.

Excerpts:

How would you describe your journey in the Rwandan music industry and, what are some of the challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I started music in 2002 when I was a student at the University of Rwanda-College of Education, (formerly at Kigali Institute of Education (KIE). At the time, I was doing Mathematics and Physics, but it wasn’t my passion. I wanted to learn about music, which honestly is my passion. As luck would have it, Sowers group visited our university to train students that would start the KIE band. I was among them and, I led the band until 2004. After leaving the KIE band, together with my two friends, we formed a group called-The Brothers. However, in 2011, I decided to quit the group and go solo.

You said that you started a solo career; does that mean The Brothers no longer exists? Not really! I am here, as well as Ziggy 55 and Victor Fidele. The Brothers still exists. We just changed our approach and strategies to music. Now, everyone can sing individually, but at the end of the day we get together as The Brothers. 

What is your music style?

I love African and traditional style. Even as a group we sing afro-soul music. I think it is better to display my identity as an African and most importantly as a Rwandan.

What is the uniqueness of your music?

All my songs convey a particular message. However, that doesn’t mean that I don’t sing to entertain music lovers. I try to mix both so that a listener can enjoy the song and at the same time get a constructive message.

Do you envision yourself as a famous musician?

Of course! Taking music to an international level is every musician’s dream. But you know that charity begins at home. I have to satisfy the local market and then grow from there.

Apart from music, what else do you do?

Yes, I’m a journalist with Radio Authentic and, my programme is called- Ubibona ute?

Are there new projects that you are working on?

Recently, I released a video of my single-Baragowe. It was directed by Gilbert at Touch Records. I am also working on my 11-track album that will be released this month.

Anything else you would like your fans to know?

Yes. I want to thank my fans for their support. I am working so hard. However, this can only happen if I take part in big music competitions, such as, Primus Guma Guma Superstar, among others. I hope that they will continue to support me and, I promise never to disappoint them.