Why would a singer need a degree in medicine or law? One would ask such a question, if their perception of a musician is a school dropout with a good voice and a microphone. But hold that thought, at least not in Rwanda. 

As it turns out, successful Rwandan singers have also excelled in the classroom and are graduates from the country’s best universities. Hassan Mutuhe looks at the singers that got the fame and the academic clout.

Tom Close

A musician for over ten years now and the godfather of Rwanda’s R&B music, Thomas Muyombo, better known by his stage name Tom Close, is a professional medical doctor. In 2013, the 29-year-old graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Medicine from the UR- College of Arts and Social Sciences, (CASS)—formerly National University of Rwanda, in 2013.

Queen Cha

Yvonne Mugemana, aka Queen Cha is an upcoming songbird. Unlike her cousin Safi (of Urban Boys), who studied Finance, Queen Cha holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She completed her studies at the University of Rwanda, (NUR) in 2014.

Khizz

Kizito Hategekimana, fondly known as Khizz to fans, stormed the country’s music scene in 2008, two years after completing A’ level at Lycée de Kigali, (LDK). He then joined Kigali Institute of Science and Technology—KIST, (current College of Science and Technology (CST), where he graduated with bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, in 2012.

Miss JoJo

Josiane Uwineza, commonly known as Miss JoJo, launched her singing career after winning the 2007 Rector Excellence Award in the category of ‘Best Female Artiste’ at the then National University of Rwanda. She released her debut album the following year, the same year in which she graduated with a degree in Arts and Humanities.

Liza Kamikazi

Better known as Liza, the singer brings a burst of freshness to her songs by infusing positive lyrics to catchy choruses. She sings to empower and brings a wholesome element to each song, which attracts music lovers of every genre. The mother-of-two holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications which she attained from CASS back in 2010.

Humble Gizzo (Urban Boys)

Manzi James, alias Humble Gizzo, is Urban Boys’ rap master. He finished his studies in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies and Economics from the University of Rwanda- College of Arts and Social Sciences.

Safi Lee (Urban Boys)

Whereas Manzi did Economics, Safi "Lee” Niyibikora chose a path that also involves money. The outstanding member of the band graduated from Kigali Independent University (ULK) with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, last December.

Platini (Dream Boys)

Platini Nemeye is a member of afro-beat duo Dream Boys. The 27-year-old singer started his primary education in Bukavu, DR Congo. He attended Ecole Secondaire de Gasange in Gicumbi District in the Northern Province, before graduating with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from CASS in 2012.

TMC (Dream Boys)

Claude Mujyanama, also famously known as TMC, was a great fan of Tanzania’s Mr. Nice. He studied at Ecole Secondaire de Kicukiro, and later at E.T.O Kicukiro. In 2012, he graduated from the College of Science and Technology, with a bachelor's degree in Applied Physics.

DJ Pius

Pius Rukabuza, alias DJ Pius, is a member of the group Two4Real. The singer - who also happens to be a professional DJ – holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Kigali Independent University (ULK). He graduated last year.

Aiden T. Kayitare

He is the other member of the duo group, Two4Real. Kayitare has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Makerere University in Uganda, where is also pursuing a Masters program.

Uncle Austin

Austin Luwano, also known as Uncle Austin, is a singer and radio presenter on KISS FM. He graduated from UMCAT School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Kampala, Uganda, in 2007.

Martin Kasirye

Popularly known as Tino, he is the lead singer of the TBB trio music group. Tino has a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Rwanda College of Business and Economics, (CBE), (former School of Finance and Banking). He graduated in 2010.

Kitty

Joyce Amande, also known as Kitty Joyce, is a beautiful and fearless upcoming singer, who last year collaborated with Ugandan artistes Sizzaman and Dan Flevor in a single called, Deep in Love.

Kitty, also known for her seductive track, Doro Baby, uses her words sparingly to send messages that are meant to linger.

The 26-year-old graduated with a degree in Marketing from the University of Rwanda College of Business and Economics in 2013.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw