EVERYBODY has something that makes them feel safe and at peace. Growing up an orphan Jimmy Star real name Pierre Jimmy Ndatimana, a local musician found his solace in music at a very young age and has since found it to be his daily therapy.

"I grew up as an orphan, I didn’t know my parents but when I got to hear their stories from family friends, they told me that my father was a great singer and guitarist who used to sing at family gatherings. It touched my heart and I grew up loving music too, especially traditional music,’’ he shared.

Not only did music become his world, Ndatimana realised that being an orphan is not the only part that makes him sing but also music relives him and makes him think.

"Through music I think about a bright future, I think of big things I can achieve in life instead of sitting and worrying or feeling lonely. Music relives me, and it is like therapy to me,’’ he says.

When he was pursuing his secondary studies at Agahozo Shalom village, Jimmy Star revealed that he started writing down song lyrics that were appreciated by many. He decided that he could give it a try and do music but he wanted to first finish his studies.

That’s what inspired him to implement the idea he had harbored ever since his early ages to venture into music industry. He released his first single ‘Nkunda Abiwacu’ with both audio and visuals, a song he says was written six years ago.

"I really felt the love despite being an orphan. The Rwandan community has been a family to me. I didn’t feel alone when I was at Agahozo Shalom Village and after moving I felt loved and appreciated. I dedicated this song to everyone who supported me through my journey, especially the Rwandan community at large,’’ he says.

"This is my first song but I am willing to do more, especially spreading a healing message through my songs.  A message of peace and love among the local community and above,’’ he added.

Ndatimana is currently doing afro-reggae music style and he hopes to contribute greatly to Rwanda’s music industry.

The singer also expressed his gratitude to the founder and owner of Envision Media Arts Collective Peter Lee whom he says has provided him with a work place and a studio that will help him in the production of his songs.

Talking about the feedback so far, the singer shared that it has been positive and welcomed him as a new musician in the game.

He further explained that the song is now available on all streaming platforms. And on his YouTube channel ‘Jimmy Star Rwanda’.

However, when it comes to music Ndatimana doesn’t limit himself, he also entertains wedding attendants and big gatherings by playing guitar and using his incredible voice to sing ceremonies related songs especially local oldies (Karahanyuze).

"I enjoy playing guitar as it involves the most creative part that makes me think and create melodies for my songs,’’ he says.

Asked about his future plans, the singer explained that he has many projects in the studio which he is working on and an Extended Play (EP) that will be out by the end of next month. His debut album will also be released early next year, and will feature different local artists.

Ndatimana also revealed that he plans to organize many events including festivals which he hopes will bring him to the Rwandan music spotlight.