Since hitting the limelight with her track "Miss President” in 2012, Oda Pacifique Uzamberumwana, alias Paccy has become a big name. Some have referred to her as controversial, but Paccy describes herself as easy-going and sociable.

The 25-year-old is a holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information and Technology from the Rwanda Tourism University College. For the first time, she is competing with nine other artistes in this year’s Primus Guma Guma Superstar. The New Times’ Donah Mbabazi spoke to the rapper about her life, music and what she stands for.

Tell us about your music career.

I started my music career in 2009 at the age of 19. So I have been in the music industry for six years and I have indeed managed to do a number of concerts. My first song was called Mbese Nzapfa. That’s when people came to know about me. From then up to now, I have two albums. I am working on my third album.

What inspired you to join the music industry?

I grew up with a passion for music, I always felt there was need to convey messages to people and I felt I could do it through music, because with music it’s not all about enjoyment, a lot can be done, be it transforming society or anything.

Challenges you have met along your musical journey?

The first challenge especially in the beginning though now it’s not much of a problem, was making people love my genre, I was into hip-hop and it was hard for people to understand a girl doing that. The only picture a person could get is one being a smoker or someone into alcohol. Even though things haven’t changed that much, at least it’s not bad as it was before. I will continue singing up to when people see a difference in hip hop. It’s good even other girls are coming up.

There was a time in 2011 when I had lost hope and was about to give up, a lot was going on, giving birth and all, but my manager, my close friend Umutoni Nadia Elise helped me a lot and she really is the reason why I got back on my feet.

What keeps you going?

I always strive to get what I want, so even if I am faced with a serious obstacle, I cannot lose hope. I also never give up before I get what I want. My fans also always give me endless encouragement.

How do you deal with single motherhood?

When something happens, you always must find a way of dealing with it. Being a single mother is something that was really hard for me in the beginning, it’s not easy to be a mom and dad at the same time but with the help of my family, I manage.

Only a few female musicians like Nicki Minaj can rap and sing perfectly, how do you manage to pull it off with RnB and Hip- Hop?

Before I started doing hip hop, I used to write RnB songs and I wrote many of them, but when I did my first hip hop song, I was like wow…people liked it, so I decided to continue with hip hop and I think it’s a gift, so I thank God that I can do both.

Any future plans?

I don’t plan to stop here, every year I strive to achieve more in regards to what I have achieved in the previous one. This year 2015 is a year that is full of blessings for me. I have managed to take part in the Primus Guma Guma competition and I wish to work hard so that, I achieve more even next year.

I also hope that I get to push my music out of Rwanda to maybe East Africa and other parts of the world at some point.Among the songs you have done, which one is your favourite?

I love Mbese Nzapfa. I love it because it’s the one that opened doors for me, people got to know me because of it, I am who I am today because of that song.

Which artiste would you wish to do a collabo with?

There are so many great musicians, for instance I would be happy if I had a collabo with Ali Kiba; he is such a great musician. Also Juliana Kanyomozi, she has such a lovely voice.

What can you tell other girls who wish to join the music industry?

First of all, what I can tell girls who want to join the music industry is that they should handle music as a job and see it as a gift that other people don’t have. Secondly, they should respect themselves because if you don’t respect yourself, no one can respect you. But most importantly, they should have passion for music.

Any traits people don’t know about you?

I am a staunch Catholic. I love praying and I cannot miss mass on Sundays. People get surprised when they see me but I am a staunch believer in God. I find peace in praying. The other thing is that I write my own songs.

Anything new for your fans?

I have a new song called Ayiwe. It’s a story about a girl who wanted to show people what a star she is through actions like excessive drinking which resulted into loss of self-control and then she started regretting. The message is, a person should be satisfied with who they are and not try be someone else.

Any hopes of winning the Guma Guma prize?

Of course. I have hope of winning Guma Guma because if I do what is required of me, nothing can stop me from winning the prize. So far I have done like 50% and what is remaining is live performances. We will see how it turns out.

A message for your fans

I appreciate all people who have been there for me ever since I started my musical journey from 2009 up to today especially my fans I love them all.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw