Mani Martin is currently emerging as one of Rwanda’s strongest live performing acts identified with Afro Soul mixed with traditional music. The singer rose to fame with the release of his debut single, Urukumbuzi in 2005. He has written and recorded over 100 songs including Destiny, Icyo dupfana kiruta icyo dupfa, Intero y’amahoro, U Rwagasabo, Bira wewe, Irungu, Hamani and Nyiramwiza, among others. Mani Martin has performed in various festivals including one of the biggest African music festivals, Sauti za Busara, in Zanzibar, and Bayimba International Festival in Uganda. He has also performed in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in Europe.The singer, born Martin Maniraruta has won several awards such as Best Gospel Artiste-Salax Awards 2008, and he was nominated for the Best Traditional Artiste of the Year 2012.Although many people know him as an artiste, there is so much more that people don’t know about this singer cum actor. Susan Babijja talked to the star about his private life and here are some of the things you didn’t know about him. What is your favourite food?I love traditional food, especially beans, matooke and cassava.What is your taste in fashion and your favourite designer?I like African style, mainly kitegnge outfits and my favourite designer is Francis Iraguha of Francis Zahabu. What is your favourite colour?Blue. I am obsessed with anything in blue. What kind of music do you listen to?I listen to so many genres of music including Hip-hop, Blues, our traditional music and African music.Tell us about your hair style?Well, my hair style is just natural although I just try to make it look better to suit the level and standard of an artiste.Where do you like to hang out in Rwanda?I like going to Hotel des Mille Collines, especially on Fridays when the Gakondo group is performing.Are you seeing someone?Well, right now I am single because I believe that I still have a lot before I get there.
