With parents and siblings who are artistes– how could Charlotte Rulinda, aka Charly, not dream of a career in music? 

The last born in a family of nine spoke to The New Times about her journey to music, the challenges in the industry and what lies ahead for her group Charly & Nina. Excerpts:

What is it about you that people may not know?

I come from a musical background. Both my parents and elder siblings used to sing in the church choir at Evangelical Alliance of Rwanda. My earliest musical inspiration came from that church, where I used to sing since I was a little girl, till today.

I only took a break from music when I joined Kigali Independent University to concentrate on my studies. I graduated with a degree in Finance. I’m social and I like to interact with people, especially those I know. I listen more than I talk. I like doing things that I love and usually achieve what I set myself to do. I don’t like regrets, so I let bygones be bygones.

What was your family’s take on your singing career?

They had queries about it because I come from a Christian family. But they later started supporting me after I completed university. They knew that I wasn’t singing for fun—it was passion and it helped me pay university tuition. So they supported me. When was your first performance?

It was in 2011 during Primus Guma Guma Superstar season one, (PGSS 1). It was a bit challenging but I managed it. I remember standing backstage and watching the other artistes as they struggled to perform many songs, tripping in their high heels, with stage fright. So when my turn came, I was ready. 

As a singer, you must be ready for anything on stage—there’re always awful and superb moments.

What is it like to be an artiste?

From spending sleepless nights in the studio and doing countless rehearsals—none of those is fun. People think that musicians earn easy money and spend most of their time relaxing—that’s a false impression. 

We’re in this business because we love what we do and all those sleepless nights pay off when people tell us that they enjoyed our performance or love our music. 

When did you release your first song? 

I recorded my first single when I was in S6 in 2009. It was a gospel track and it was liked by very many people.

Why do you think artistes change the style of music they started with? 

Before you join the music industry you have no idea of what you will be, it’s until you join that you realise reality is different. The style of music you started with might not sell—so since we’re in the business, we have to change to what sells. For example, you might have started as a gospel singer but because the majority of your fans don’t fancy gospel music, you have to produce the kind of music that will attract a big audience—but it doesn’t mean that you’re no longer a Christian.

What are the main challenges in this industry?

There are quite many. The major ones include lack of good quality recording studios, record labels, music schools (at the moment there’s only one in the country-Nyundo School of Arts) and, the lack of financial resources.

For the local artiste to succeed in this business, they must work hard because there’re no companies to support them, only a few like Bralirwa, through its flagship Primus.

What has it been like for Charly & Nina; what are your plans and dreams?

The group is just a year old and we have performed more than six times at weddings and concerts. The future looks brighter for our group and people appreciate our live performances. We have a lineup of projects with Burundian artiste Big Furious and Ugandan singer Cease. We want to take our music to East Africa and beyond.

Any message to your fans?

We thank all our fans for believing and supporting the group. We love them so much because they give us reason to work hard. However, the journey is still lengthy—we request for more support and collaboration to build the music industry.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw