He took the approach of cultural music; it has won him awards

If you have watched Rwanda Television, then you have possibly watched Semanza Jean Baptiste, who also goes by the stage name, "JB Star”, do his song, "Ndavuga u’Rwanda”.

Born in December 1984, JB Star joined music at a tender age as dancer in a cultural troupe from his homeland, Gisenyi District.

In 1999, he emerged as one of the best dancers in the National cultural dance and was signed into the National troupe, "Urucyerereza”. He was later put on the team that competed in Italy and brought home the medal from the worldwide cultural competitions.

JB Star says that he was inspired into singing after his 2006 visit to USA, on a dancing mission, when he and his team-mates were offered full sponsorship for recordings of songs with Rwandan cultural tune, but none had a written song.  The artist, who evidently has good song writing skills, immediately released his debut, "Ndavuga u’Rwanda” on his return, a song that gained fair spotlight.

He proceeded to do 7 more songs, all with a cultural blend, including "Kora Ndebe”. Though the songs still lack airplay, JB’s talent and specialness in music is undeniable.

His latest song, "East African Community” which has an afro-pop touch, recently won an Award for the best song, from City of Kigali, in the 2011 EAC competitions.

He now plans to do more culture-based music because he believes he should promote Rwandan culture in music more, but also bring in some diversify in genres; he has already formed a duet with another unknown but talented afro beat singer, JDidi.

Apart from appearing with "Urucyerereza” JB Star has a folk troupe. In personal life, he is also a married man with two children, and works with the National Demobilisation and Re-integration Commission. JB Star sometimes plays soccer in his free time.
emma.munyaneza@newtimes.co.rw