Justin Haragakiza is a Rwandan gospel music producer. In November, last year, Groove Awards named him Gospel Producer of the Year after he had recorded several songs that were savoured by many. He spoke to Hudson Kuteesa about his career, the awards and the Gospel music industry at large.

How did you start off in music production?

I started as an instrumentalist in ADEPR and in Restoration Church and then went on to work with River Studio (a gospel music studio in Kigali) where I made the decision to be self-employed, so I started my own studio.

My studio is called Gospel Mic Records. It is located in Kicukiro near St. Joseph. I opened it a year back.

What was it like being named Gospel Music Producer of the Year?

It really pleased me. It is something expected though because they give these awards to those who have performed well throughout the year. And looking at 2016, I had done really well and I had confidence that I would get the award. I made several hit songs that were loved in churches as well as played on different radio stations nationally.

Which songs can you say made you win?

I did many songs in 2016 but the most successful ones were AmfitiyeByinshi by Gisubizo Ministries (this was voted Song of the Year) and Mana Uriho by the same group.

How does winning an award boost your career?

In my profession, the award is very important because it markets you. If you record a song and you win an award for it, people continue to have confidence in you as someone who is competent.

Why did you choose gospel music?

First of all, I am a Christian. I grew up in the House of God and when I was starting this work as a producer, I felt that I must focus on gospel.

According to you, what makes a good song?

A song is good when it has a good message. This is very important for it to reach far and be loved. After that, one should meet with a good producer who will record it well.

I should add that it is important for you to pray for the song so that God promotes it. This is because we are doing the workthat Jesus sent us to do on earth. Gospel music is preaching. We are telling people The Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What does it take to be a good producer?

First of all it is talent, if you are naturally gifted and passionate about music.

You also need to know how to play instruments. I had a background of playing piano so going into production was very easy for me.

Other than the music, what makes gospel artistes different from secular ones?

Gospel artistes are higher in skill and talent. Even when you look at the majority of those who are great in secular music, you can see that they came from a gospel background. Secular artistes that started by doing gospel are the ones that are smarter than their counterparts who never played gospel. Gospel music teaches artistes to sing live as they sing in church while instrumentalists are playing. So, they learn to keep their voices on key among other important lessons.

Have you ever refused to work withan artistebecause they are not talented enough?

There are some producers who do it and they chase them away but I don’t. I respect someone who thinks like, "let me get my money and take it to the studio”. I value the time which he has taken to write that song too. So, I help him, I don’t discourage him. We work together and I see where he is weak and help him. In the studio, we work with vocal trainers. I make them meet him and help him to improve and his song is produced.

What advice do you give to young people who would like to become producers?

What I advise them is that they should first know if they have what it takes. As a child grows up, there are things that he/she admires or loves, so, they should build on that. Another thing he or she must know is that just like other jobs, music production can take you places.

What are the challenges you face?

There are times you work with people who don’t respect the appointments you make with them. You tell someone to come at a specific time or day and he/she does not show up.

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