For winning the 2009 Tusker project Fame, and shinning in the recently concluded all stars competition, one may not be wrong concluding that reggae performer Alpha Rwirangira is among the best singers in the East African region. But, the 25 year-old has not yet shone as was expected of him when he departed Nairobi as the grand winner of the 2009 (Tusker) season- remember he had some seed funding for his music business, and the start up fame.
For winning the 2009 Tusker project Fame, and shinning in the recently concluded all stars competition, one may not be wrong concluding that reggae performer Alpha Rwirangira is among the best singers in the East African region.
But, the 25 year-old has not yet shone as was expected of him when he departed Nairobi as the grand winner of the 2009 (Tusker) season- remember he had some seed funding for his music business, and the start up fame.
He has since released over 20 songs, with only a few coming out as fair hits, including the "Come to me” duet with Uganda’s Bebecool, and "Songa Mbere” alongside Tanzanian AY.
They (the two songs) featured on his album "One Africa” which did not reap as expected either, according to Alpha. He actually plans to release more singles, than compile albums.
The horse-voiced singer has had to restart like other struggling artists despite that prior fame.
"The popularity you get from the Academy ends with that season; and, when you come out here, you start from scratch, like any other struggling artist.”
Alpha also blames some local radio presenters for under-promoting some artists, including him, because they apparently go by their own interests.
And those few are actually among the emcees of showbiz here as they host music shows; "there are few radio presenters, may be 10 per cent whom I presume, decide on whom to give air play and whom to break.
"Maybe they want candy, or fear to be outcompeted- because some of them are artists; what is factual is that some artists are promoted unfairly while others with equally good talents are suppressed.”
He however hopes to make it, no matter what challenges await him.
His song "Songa Mbere” has already been nominated for the 2011 Museke African Music Awards, AMA, slated for 24th September, 2011. It appears in three categories of; the Best African Collaboration, best Afro-pop and Best Eastern Africa song.
Remember, he will be performing alongside Shaggy, Cabo Snoop of the "Windeck” in October, as part of the award for the Tusker All stars winners.
He is busy these days organizing charity shows and gathering support to save some Somali refugees devastated by hunger.
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