Ange Gaga Amahoro is a 23-year-old aspiring singer whose dream has always been to perform on an international platform. Her dream came true in June when she was among the lucky few Rwandans that qualified for East Africa’s Got Talent competition, in Kenya. 

Although she didn’t make it to the second round, Ange is glad she tried her luck anyway. She believes it is a starting point for bigger opportunities.

Giving up doesn’t seem to exist in her vocabulary and is ready to try again next year.

She talked to Sunday Magazine’s Joan Mbabazi about her passion for music and what the future holds for her.

When did you start singing?

I consider music as my baby. My best friend. My joy. My stress killer. Mood changer, and much more. I started singing at the age of five. 

I could mimic any songs on either radio or TV. Joining Sunday school played a big role in grooming me into the singer that I am today. 

I was always selected to take on some of the parts in different songs at the age of nine. 

It takes rehearsals to uplift a talent. I literally sing from anywhere, at any time; in the shower, bedroom, and elsewhere. Singing is something I can’t resist doing, regardless of my mood.

Have you released any songs so far?

I have always sung for passion but not money, however, it is high time I turned my music into a profession. Although I haven’t released any songs, I have written more than twenty songs which I hope to record this year.

What inspired you to go for East Africa's Got Talent singing competition and what did the whole experience teach you?

I was a bit nervous about giving it a shoot, however, I have friends who believe in me, way too much. They pushed me to go for it but I was skeptical, I had a million questions running in my mind, what if I lose, won’t I let them down? 

Is my voice good enough? Among others. However, they told me that I should first give it a try, and the rest will be history. Luckily enough, I was among the thirty contestants chosen from Rwanda. 

Amahoro (right) while singing with a colleague at a church function.

At the competition, judges asked me to sing a song of my choice and I sang, "I Who Have Nothing”, a cover by Candice Glover.

However, the judges didn’t give me a pass to the next round because I sang the song exactly like Candice, which they said was a lack of my own originality and creativity as they expected me to sing it my way. But they appreciated the fact that I could sing and the audience applauded me. 

However, deep down I know that if I had moved to the next round, it would have been easy for me to polish my mistakes and perform better and even win the competition. 

What is your greatest obstacle to your aspiring career?

Although I am looking forward to recording my songs, I lack sufficient funds to make this happen since I am still a student. I want to start saving some money to make this dream come true.   What is music to you?

Music is a way I express my feelings, and let out any message I would want people to know.   Which musician do you look up to and why?

The late American singer, Whitney Houston, is still my number one, although she died, her voice still lingers on. She made music so fun to listen to. I want to leave a legacy just like she did.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com