DANIUS JONATHAN KARAMBIZI, known by his stage name Dani Kard, is a Rwandan rising singer and producer who is doing music in a new style he calls ‘Ka-pop’.
"I started enjoying music from an early age, listening to different genres, and I was inspired. At a young age, it was hard for me to express my emotions and share my ideas. With that, and some lyrics I had in my mind I decided to write them down but I didn’t have any idea that they would later turn into music that people might enjoy listening to,’’ he says.
The singer revealed that he launched himself in the music industry in 2014 while he was pursuing his studies at Nyundo School Arts and Music, doing Graphic Arts.
He started doing music professionally in 2018. The singer noted that the positive feedback he received made him more comfortable to upgrade his talent.
Asked about what his journey was like starting up, Karambizi shared that it took him courage to stand out of all the challenges he was facing at a time.
"Starting up was quite challenging for me as I was the younger one in my family. Everyone was making it harder for me to figure out my talent. My family did not understand me at all. But as days go on they get to figure out the best I was doing and I am glad they are now very supportive,’’ he told The New Times.
Currently, Karambizi says he is exploring the beauty of production after completing music production courses with the help of Root Foundation, in partnership with mastercard. He says his next tracks will be produced in a new style of music, by himself which he dubbed ‘Ka-pop’ which he also describes as ‘Karahanyuze pop’.
"After exploring how African pop culture music is on the rise. It inspired me as a music producer to make my own style. I took samples of the late 90s Rwandan old school songs (Karahanyuze) and mixed it with different samples of African pop, American pop and other music samples across the world so as to use them to create a unique music sound which I called Ka-pop,’’ he says.
The singer says he is growing fond of the Ka-pop style and so far, has released his first Extended Play (EP), dubbed ‘Normal boy’ with four tracks some of which include, ‘Normal boy,’ ‘Broken’, and ‘Hahandi’ featuring Bushali.
When it comes to music Dani Kard doesn’t limit himself. He revealed that he is a song writer too, who writes his own music and for others.
"When I write my own music. It helps to express myself as an artist. The main message behind my songs is feelings, I like to write my songs as it helps me to express the feeling that I want to share with music lovers,’’ he says.
Asked about his future projects, Karambizi revealed that he is working on his second EP he dubbed ‘Autumn Summer’ which he says will be released at the end of the year.
‘Ikinyarwanda’ is his latest hit single on his EP, which he released on Sunday October, 10 with both audio and visuals. Other tracks on Autumn summer EP, include ‘20.30.40’ and ‘Trouble’ featuring Kennysol.
"I enjoyed working with Kennysol. He is a great singer and I admire his melodies and lyrics too. It was a great experience,’’ he said.
Among the challenges he encountered, he says that the music industry needs more investors which can trust the talents in it and support them. He adds that many talented artists lack investment and this stops them from showing off their talents.