24-year-old Ciney, real name Aisha Uwimana, is a talented singer who started her music career in 2010 as an afro hip hop singer. She is also a student, pursuing procurement and contract management at Jomo Kenyatta University and working with an online company as a marketing manager.

Sunday Magazine’s Sharon Kantengwa caught up with her on why she took a sabbatical from her singing career.

You haven’t been performing musically for the past one year, should we conclude that you quit music?

I didn’t quit. I decided to put music on hold because of studies and work. I have a full time job and study in the evening so I had to give priority.  I however still go to the studio to keep up the pace.

Would you say that the challenges in the music industry forced you to leave the industry?

It’s not easy. If you do something that you love, you don’t mind much about the struggle you go through. The good thing about music is that you can make a song out of your experience whether good or bad to be able to educate others. For example, the song that I did with Ama G was based on my experience.

I’m not happy that I’m not currently singing because my fans out there are waiting for me, and it feels like I disappointed them but I believe that they want to see me a better person. I am not home sleeping, but working hard to see myself a better person  in all aspects of life and education is one of them.

Is marketing as a profession something you chose to do instead?

Not really. I worked on radio for two and half years and I can say my ability to talk to people and face people got me the job. I’m the kind who never leaves tasks unaccomplished which is vital in marketing.  

How has it changed you?

Before then I was into entertainment than the real life world. Now I face people, have to make money and convince clients as a must. With entertainment it’s different because you can always find other ways to promote you.

I’m in my third year and I have a job that pays me on time. I got experience for what I’m doing and I grew up in every aspect of life and I know that even if I’m not into music I can survive and have also learnt business management.

What is your philosophy in life?

I always say that ‘follow your heart but do not leave your mind behind.’ Following one’s passion is important if it’s worth it. I believe girls are a mirror to the world and whatever we do affects us, the generation to come and society as a whole.