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Heaven Nikita Iradukunda, commonly known by her stage name, Heaven Nikita, is a 22-year-old rising singer who dreams of being a global star one day. Besides singing, she also has skills in painting and is a lifestyle vlogger and YouTuber. Joan Mbabazi had a chat with her about her various talents.
Excerpts;
When did you develop the desire to sing?
I have loved music since childhood. I started singing in 2013, though I didn’t really release music at that time. I was mostly doing covers of songs. I released my first song in 2014 dubbed "Going back home”.
After releasing your first song, did you continue with more right away?
It took me a full year to release my second song titled "Smile”. It came out in 2015.
After that, I kind of took a break from music. In 2017, I left Kigali for China to study, while there, I started doing covers in restaurants in 2018 and that’s when I started taking note of the kind of music I wanted to do.
Were you singing solo?
Yes, before I was. But in 2019 I joined a reggae band named "Spirit Rebellious” in China. It was amazing working with talented vocalists. When I returned to Rwanda, I continued with my music and started working on my first extended play-EP in 2019. So in February 2020, I was able to release that EP and it’s called "3 AM”.
How many songs are on your EP?
It’s composed of five songs namely; "Keep It Real” (featuring Getts Kent), "Losing” (featuring Naster and Arnaud Gray), "3 AM” (featuring ET), "I’m Okay (featuring Mazo), and "No Color” (featuring Kenny K-Shot and Paintedblvck).
And I have also appeared in about nine different songs by seven different musicians like Kenny K Shot, Getts Kent, Ririmba, Paintedblvk, Chase and more.
Do you have anything new this year?
Yes, this month I released a single titled ‘End of Time’ featuring Kriss Espoir.
What is your genre?
When it comes to my music, I want to be open to all genres. I am not a rapper but I can rap-sing, I also don’t like putting myself in a box. I would describe myself as an R&B or soul musician. But I want to introduce the album that I am currently working on.
Are you done with school?
I am in year four in college and study in Beijing, China. But I’m currently in Kigali doing my courses online. I am also attending a film school on the side.
What has your journey been like?
My musical journey has been a little complicated because the type of genre that I am delivering is considered a little different, and isn’t really identified as mainstream music. So I would say that I challenged myself to make it work.
What else keeps you occupied?
I am passionate about art. That’s how I relieve my stress. I am a visual artist; I draw and paint as a hobby. I have always been passionate about everything to do with art; I started painting when I was 19 and because my family also does it, which is easy for me.
One of her art pieces.
And I am currently trying to perfect my art though I am self-taught.
I also do videos. When it comes to videos I am more into making music videos, commercials and films. I am still perfecting my video skills but I will start putting my projects out soon.
Where did you draw interest for making videos?
I developed interest in video-making because I have a certain way I want to produce my music videos but only I can visualise it, so being able to make videos also gives me an opportunity to direct my own music videos in the future. I just have a camera and some equipment that help me practice with my friends.
Where can people find your music?
My music is available on all platforms. I also own two YouTube channels, one is for my music ‘Nikita Heaven’ and my second channel is ‘Nikita H.’ a lifestyle vlog.