Pushing entertainment to higher heights

BRYAN KIMENYI meets Ganza Didier, a natural performerHe has been likened by over heated fans to legendary dancers like Michael Jackson, Usher, but Ganza Didier, choreographer, rapper and promising event promoter looks even better than that. Ganza’s mother, Munyampirwa Apolinalia, gave birth to him on the 23rd of December 1986 in Goma, a town in Eastern Congo. He has five siblings; four brothers and one sister.He began his primary school in Uganda in the mid 1990s; he then joined La Colombiere in Kigali. Later he enrolled in the prestigious Green Hills Academy, for his O’ Level education and he is now finishing his secondary school at Riviera High School Kabuga. Many of the world’s biggest talents learn of their moves at school. This is not the story Ganza has for you. “Dancing is a family trend. My grandfather I’m told was a reknowned Intore dancer. When I was young, few people would beat me in this dance. I’m sure no one can beat me in hip hop dance today,” he says, laughing. At only 20, he already knew he wanted to start his own company or something of a kind. His dreams came true, and he is now CEO of Sick City Entertainment, a music and dance group that has an aim of taking entertainment in Rwanda to another level. His young brother Yannick also performs with the group. “My little brother has been an ardent fan of what I do, I welcomed his initiative to join me and his progress is terrific.” Ganza also happens to be into rap and has couple of songs soon to be released. However, his biggest dream is being Rwanda’s most sophisticated event organiser. “Sick City is going to move from dancing and take a step further to promoting artists. I want to bring here the best performers there are in the world. The guys trying to promote events today are not doing it the way I want it to look.” Despite his undoubted talent, Ganza has made it because of certain influences, particularly legendary stage performers like Michael Jackson and James Brown. He is also a confessed admirer of Yossou N’dour’s music. In Rwanda, he has lots of respect for hip hop star DMS and Dance Hall Queen and compatriot Gigi. He however acknowledges the brilliance of up coming Rapper, Manzi Isibo. Throughout his life, his father has been the major pillar to hold him upright. “My father is my life’s role model. He has always told me, “things always don’t go according to plan, you have to make the best out of every outcome.” This keeps me going no matter what comes my way.” Indeed, this has made him an accomplished dance phenomenon. He has graced most concerts by famous artists who visit Rwanda. He is also Rwanda’s ambassador in competitions abroad. He came second in the Masters of Rhythm competition in the free style content in South Africa. He also came third in the Coca-Cola dance competition. “I’ve now been named the king of hip hop in Rwanda by the fans and the different promoting agencies,” he brags. His best performance was at the recent Jungle Party at Kivu Sun, where he performed along side the Jamaican duo Brick and Lace and Kenyan Dance Hall sensation Red Sun. In December he plans to stage a concert in Burundi and next year in June, he will be in Uganda. Despite the early success, Ganza’s journey has not been all roses. During his stay in South Africa, he lost a battle to a seven year old kid. “It taught me never to take anything for granted, that is why I give my all, whenever I have a performance,” he explains. Another disappointment came in the 2007 Sprite Ball Competition, when he lost against the Certified Stars. “The judges where really unfair, everyone knew I had beat them. Anyway this year I got my sweet revenge and beat them in another dance battle at Lycee de Kigali. Actually I showed the difference between us,” he remembers. For the girls out there with any good intentions, don’t bother. For a month now, this young star is hooked to a chick he doesn’t want to revel. “She is for keeps,” he confides. With his private life sorted, Ganza has ambitions of taking Rwanda’s hip hop music to greater heights. “I want to make an awareness about this African child [hip hop] that was robbed by the Americans. It belongs to us and I think together we can take it to higher.” Ends