A gift from his mother was Jones’ turning point in music

Frank Jones is a Rwandan singer-songwriter and composer. He sings about his life experiences. He draws inspiration from the people and environments around him to compose his lyrics. Jones’ cites 2Pac Shakur and legendary Bob Marley as his music icons. Born in Goma in 1978 to Joseph Furuguta and Alphonsine M’karama, Jones is last born of eight children. Jones joined Ecole Primaire d’Application de Institution de Goma (EPAIGO) in 1984, where he studied for six years before enrolling at Mwanga College. In 2000, he joined Goma University from where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management. He shared his views on the music industry and his life. What inspired you into music? Well, music has always been my dream since childhood. And, I was inspired by the opportunities that music offers for people to create, criticise and express one’s ideas. All my siblings are artistes, and they have all succeeded in the field–so this also inspired me to love music. I remember when I was a kid I used to follow my elder brothers whenever they went for practices and I would imitate them performing, though sometimes they wouldn’t allow me to follow them. I started singing at the age of eight at Notre Dame de Mont Carmel, and from there, my golden talent exploded. My mother bought me my first musical instrument (a guitar) when I was in my senior six vacation. It was my best friend and I couldn’t allow anyone to play it because I thought they would spoil it. I would take it with me whenever I went for my music practices and I played it almost all the time at home. Did you study music? No. I have never had the chance to attend a music school. I use the God given talent--but provided with any opportunity I would jump on it. What kind of music do you enjoy? Personally, I enjoy listening to romantic songs, R&B and Blue-jazz, though sometimes I tune in to reggae music. Most of my songs are slow Jams and I compose my lyrics in soul music. What are some of your major achievements in the music industry? I am glad my music has enjoyed airplay locally and I look forward to making music that will also capture the regional and international market. What is your advice to upcoming musicians? I would like to tell them not to panic, or give up their dream--but keep the spirit burning because success is just around the corner. What do you think is the main challenge in Rwandan filmmaking? I think funding is the main challenge to local filmmakers. Unlike in some other countries, we don’t have funds where we can apply for support. Where do you see yourself in five years time? I will be an established musician, who will have inspired a number of upcoming artistes in different projects.

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A gift from his mother was Jones’ turning point in music