WHILE WOMEN seem to have made significant strides in the music industry as performers, the rest of the industry off stage remains a predominantly male-dominated space. In this article, we present, though small in number, pioneering female music producers who are making their mark in the industry.

Jennifer Bukuru

She attended Kivugiza primary school, APPACE for secondary school before joining Nyundo School of Art and Music where she recently finished her studies from. 

"When I got to Nyundo, I was a singer and guitarist. When I learned that they teach production under the music software named, ‘Pro Tools’ I fell in love with it and decided to enroll in music production,” said Bukuru

Producers Christmas Ruth Kanoheli and Jennifer Bukuru.

She is now a producer at Kina Music Studio and looks forward to making some hit songs soon since so many people are eager to work with female producers, a thing she confirmed is an encouragement for her career.

Linda Rubango Kamikazi

The 20-year-old student at Mount Kenya University is a vocal coach, singer and producer.

Sharing her journey with The New Times, she explained that she grew up with dreams of becoming a singer. Since her family was so supportive, instead of pursuing sciences in Advanced level, she chose to follow her dreams at Nyundo School of Arts and Music.

 "When I got to the school I was introduced to different activities in music. I was so interested in Music business, Production and singing skills that I attended them. I used to wonder why there were no female producers so I decided to start the changes I was willing to see,” she said,

With help from singer Eddie Mico, Kamikazi is currently a producer in her own studio, ‘Heart Music Studio’. She however shared that she faces some challenges of being undermined as a girl, although this does not deter her from passion for music production. One of the songs she worked on is ‘The Giant is Slayed’ by Eddie Mico ft Olivier Kavutse.

Christmas Ruth Kanoheli

Also known as Chris Neat, Kanoheli studied music production and vocals at Nyundo School of Arts and Music. She was a song writer before enrolling at the music school.

"After graduation, I felt like I wanted to do something big and unique. That is when I decided to become a producer so that there would be representation of women in the production business,” said Kanoheli, a mother of one.

She added that one of her goals is to help fellow women who do music by fighing against sexual harrasment that her counterparts face. So far, she has two songs of her own that she produced; ‘You are’ and ‘Ikibondo.’

Kanoheli who is now a producer in the recently reopened ‘Ibisumizi’ studio by Riderman, said that being underestimated is one of her big challenges, as many think that females can’t do anything good or big. 

"However, here is a reminder; I am a mother now and I manage to do both parenting activities and music production as well. I once was a singer who used to back artists like Bruce Melody, The Ben, Charly and Nina just to mention a few. So we are women and we have power to make the positive changes,” she said.

At first her parents and relatives were not comfortable with the decision of pursuing music production, except her mother who was helpful, but she proved to them how helpful and rewarding it can be and that someone can make a living out of it.

Grace Touch

Real name Grace Turikumwe, the 27-year-old living and working in Nyamagabe, is also an alumni of Nyundo School of Arts and Music.

She discovered her music talent when she was still young, playing music instruments at her church which inspired her career choice. She decided to teach music to kids for the purpose of generating capital to start her own  music studio, ‘Shine Studio’ which she opened in 2020. ‘Winanirana’ by Mistaek and ‘Ngwiki’ by Fox Makare are some of the song she has produced. Recently, Grace Touch released her 3-song debut Extended Play.

Turikumwe who also works at Nyundo Music School in charge of instruments, shared her threats and opportunities in this profession.

"Sometimes it so hard and challenging since some people have this mindset that a song produced by a girl can’t be good enough or be a hit. On the other hand, it is so encouraging when you find the ones who are curious to experience the girl’s skills and support it so much since it seems to be new here in Rwanda.”