After 10 years as a DJ and seven as an artiste, Pius Rickie Rukabuza, commonly known as DJ Pius, is confident he has learnt enough in the music industry to chart his own musical journey.

The 29-year-old has embarked on a solo career after recently splitting with Innocent Aidan Tumaini aka Tkay with whom he created Two 4 Real in 2009.

"We were doing music because we had a passion for it and it was fun, but now I want to do it as a business.

We’ve met challenges, success and connections. I have learnt a lot musically, especially when it comes to management and collaboration,” says Rukabuza.

Tumaini is focused on his job as of now; however, Rubakuza says the two will still meet up for gigs if there’s money.

Rubakuza has also teamed up with seasoned event organiser Alex Muyoboke and comedian Arthur Nkusi to plan anything connected to music and comedy.

Rubakuza is working on collaborations with Burundian singer Big Farious, upcoming artiste Jodi and Bobby Ngarambe that will be out soon. The latter is an American singer/songwriter based in New York City, but his music is in Kinyarwanda.

He promises a diverse blend since as a DJ he listens to a lot of music and is especially keen on the work of "African legends”.

Born in a family of 13, Rubakuza started playing music when he was an entertainment prefect back in high school in Uganda.

After completing A Level at Lycee de Kigali, an aunt opened up a bar in 2005 and took him up as a DJ. He later also worked as an IT consultant, while spinning discs part-time.

In 2009 he teamed up with Tumaini to create Two 4 Real and together they recorded over 40 songs and an album Nyumva which they launched last year in Musanze Stadium.

The disc jockey has watched the music industry grow with many young and talented artistes cropping up.

"People are making money from music. There are many challenges like promotion and piracy but the industry is growing. In 2010 if you worked for Rwf100, 000 at a gig you would be happy but now if they don’t offer $1000 an artiste won’t accept,” he says.

He credits his own growth in the industry to a combination of many things.

"I work hard; I have good relationships with people. I also make good, distinct and unique music. You can tell it’s me when you hear my music,” he says.

The singer/DJ is married to Hot FM radio presenter Ange Umulisa and they have one child.

"Being a dad gives you focus. It’s challenging but it helps you put things into perspective and know what comes first,” he says.

Rubakuza urges people to follow their passion because it’s fulfilling.

"Even if the money is not there, you will always find satisfaction. Once you have a passion for something, follow it, swimming, soccer or music, just follow it.”

He agrees that education is pivotal, but he is of the school of thought that it is secondary.

"Education is the key but we all know that talent is above everything.”

editorial@newtimes.co.rw