Jimmy Star: A melodious spirit forged in adversity

Born and raised in Ruhango, a town in Rwanda's Southern province, Pierre Jimmy Ndatimana, known by his stage name Jimmy Star, has faced both personal hardships and the weight of his country's history. His father, a fighter for the RPF Inkoranyi during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, valiantly died a month after his son was born, at the hem of Rwanda's Liberation Struggle. His mother's life, too, was cut short by illness when he was just a seven-year-old. Growing up alongside his two brothers, Jimmy found solace in the embrace of melody. From a young age, he discovered a love and talent for songwriting, baring his soul in lyrics that conveyed his deepest emotions. ALSO READ: Singer France Mpundu’s journey, an artiste of versatility Though, Jimmy Star's passion for songwriting only began to take shape during his time at Agahozo Shalom School, where he started penning his first compositions. Pursuing his artistic aspirations, he went on to study multimedia at IPRC Kigali, believing that a solid foundation in multimedia would enhance his music career. And then, in 2014, Jimmy Star decided to fully dip his toes into the world of music, performing in local bars and restaurants. Still, it wasn't until 2017 that he made the pivotal dare to fully commit to his musical dreams; taking his long-kept compositions into the recording studio and started producing his own songs. It was a leap of faith, the 29-year-old artiste admitted, I decided to immerse myself completely in my music and give it my all. ALSO READ: 'Melodic Diary' EP review: Inside Logan Joe's unique sound According to him, his debut song, Nkunda Ab'iwacu, is a heartfelt dedication to his fellow Rwandans. Driven by a deep love for his country and its people, Jimmy Star's first song conveys patriotism through every lyric. I want to craft a narrative as vivid as Rwandan tapestry itself. My first song, Nkunda Ab'iwacu is all about my love for my people and homeland, he said. Since then, he has recorded a total of 15 songs and released an extended play (EP) featuring five tracks. Excitingly, Jimmy Star is now preparing for the launch of his first album, Kanuma, on September 15. The concert-style event will take place at Institut Francais du Rwanda, with tickets ranging from Rwf5, 000 in regular and Rwf10, 000 VIP. With ambitions to showcase his music to a global audience, Jimmy Star desires to surpass the borders of Rwanda and let his songs soar high like a dove, hence the name of his album. I might be here in Rwanda, but I want my music to fly away and reach as far as possible, far beyond my country's borders, he said excitedly. ALSO READ: Is worship leader Christian Irimbere finally coming of age? Jimmy Star dedicates his time exclusively to his music career and works as a Talent Manager at Envision Rwanda, a media arts collective and social enterprise based in Kigali. He also performs at weddings, birthday parties, and other private events. Fusing traditional influences with a modern touch, Jimmy Star's musical style is of soulful melodies. However, for him, the true essence of his music lies not only in the beats but in the stories and emotions it conveys. For instance, one of his songs Inkuru holds a special place in his heart, as it tells the touching story of his love for his departed mother and the pain of losing her at a young age. This song is a reminder of a promise unfulfilled, made with my mother as a young boy, shattered by her untimely death, he shared. I remember making a deal with my mother that if I did well in school, she would buy me some goodies as a reward. I remember coming home from school, having done very well, and running to show my mom my report card, only to find her dead, after having been sick for a few days, he recounted. ALSO READ: Juggling acting and hospitality: The story of Umukonyine I draw inspiration from personal experiences and the world around me, he explained, My goal is to create music that resonates with people on a deep level and touches their hearts. He identifies the late Yvan Buravan, as his longtime favourite artist. Yvan Buravan's song Inkuru, which Jimmy Star frequently listens to, deeply resonates with him as he is a lover boy at heart. As he continues to make waves in the music industry, Jimmy Star dreams of collaborating with legendary figures like Jules Sentore and Masamba Intore. Inspired by their impact on Rwandan culture and tradition, he also aspires to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Rwanda’s rich heritage symbols through his music. From his 'Igitako' adorning his forehead to the cascading locks that frame his face, which he compares to traditional umugara, Jimmy Star aims to paint a vivid picture of Rwanda's heritage in his fashion craze as in his music. To have it all, he muses, is to embrace one's talent, country, and God, he said. Among other projects, he is also working on an upcoming release of another EP Ingoma, a tribute to the leadership symbol and traditional music instrument of Rwanda, paying homage to the enduring spirit of RPF Inkotanyi and the country's leadership, and an appreciation of the newfound support. Rwanda (ns) makes it so easy to dream big and want to do great things, he remarked, adding, “Now that we've received assurances of support, expect big things from us (artistes) as well. With pride and gratitude, Jimmy Star acknowledges the shifting mindset, a collective recognition of the value artists brings to society. Among his many supporters, he mentioned, Tonton Kiki — a mentor and father figure — and Peter Lee — a friend and founder of Envision Rwanda, and Didier Manzi — his producer, as instrumental roles in nurturing his talent.

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Jimmy Star: A melodious spirit forged in adversity