There's no doubt that a good music video clip can take a track to places the audio wouldn't have gone, and this is more evident than ever in today's world where music videos are essential for fan engagement.

Over the past decade, Rwanda has witnessed new, fresh, and sophisticated video directors who are changing the visual game in the music industry, and among them is Fayzo Pro, one of very few who have edged themselves into rightful recognition in Rwanda's visual world.

Real name Faycal Tuyishime, Fayzo Pro ventured into the visual creation business in 2010, little did he know that he would go on to become one of the best video directors behind classics like ‘Amafaranga’ by Elion Victory and Jay Polly's ‘Akanyarirajisho’, or even recent hits like 'Ma Vie' by Social Mula and 'Haso,' one of the hit songs that pushed Kenny Sol to the top.

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Speaking to The New Times in an exclusive interview, the video producer, colorist and editor said that his new touch in video making is inspired by the work of the likes of TG Omori, Clarence Peter and many others who are behind the visuals of some of the biggest hits coming out of West Africa and its viral genre, Afrobeats.

In Rwanda, Fyzo comes from the line of Mariva, Meddy Saleh, Bagenzi Bernard and many others who spearheaded music video making in Rwanda, but he is one of the few still making waves in the country.

Before becoming a music director, Fyzo recalls making music as an artiste who later could not afford to pay for studio sessions, something that pushed him into directing for a better life.

"After failing to pay for studio sessions, I looked around and realised that music directing was an untapped opportunity with a high demand and shortage of players.

And just like that, I moved on and started directing to make money instead of spending to survive in the music industry," said Fyzo.

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Since 2010, Fyzo has directed over 300 music videos for renowned Rwandan musicians and is looking forward to producing a thousand more.

"The past is so small compared to what the future holds. I'm working on many big projects that will have a huge impact on the whole music industry. This is just the beginning!" the video director highlights.

Some of the biggest projects he has in store include Keny Sol's upcoming track that features Nigeria’s DJ Neptune, Okkama's collabo with Kenny Sol, Kivumbi King songs and many more.

Streets made me

In the global context, many top video directors, including some on the African continent like Clarence Peter or Uganda's Sasha Vybes, went to film schools, but for Fyzo, the streets shaped his career and pushed him to greater heights.

According to Fyzo, not every good producer or video director went to classrooms, and some can actually learn from the streets and improve through practice.

"I always surprise people when I say I didn't go to school for the video directing skills I have. Everything I do, everything I produce, I learned it on the streets and YouTube. Anyone else with a passion to create can take the same route and make it to the top," he noted.

Another thing, Fyzo said, video directing in Rwanda has evolved over the years, urging more young players to join in and do the "wonders" as the industry grows by the day.

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Born in 1990, Fyzo Pro, is a Rwandan video producer, director, colourist and editor who has worked with many influential musicians including Mico the Best, King James, Bruce Melodie and many others.

With his passion and commitment, Fyzo is poised to take the Rwandan visual scene to new heights by directing music videos that can compete on a global scale.