Striving to make a difference in the music industry

Maggie Kenyana, coordinator for 4Real Promotions tells PAULUS KAYIGGWA what they are doing for local musicians Maggie Kenyana reveals that 4real Promotions train local musicians on how to be innovative and compete in a competitive world 4real Promotions works hand in hand with international and acclaimed musicians who come to Rwanda and give them tips regarding career development, Kenyana says. “We are aiming at exposing them to international musicians who have acquired enough experience. We bring them here and they share their experiences with us,” she says in an interview with Sunday Times at her home in Kicementi. “I feel local music has a lot to offer to us and helping them develop their talents could develop music industry in the country. Many musicians outside Rwanda earn their livelihood from their albums,” she explains. Kenyana further added that they are working very hard to familiarise locals with international singers. “I am optimistic that I will see one of our local artists representing Rwanda at an international carnival because they are hard working and love what they are doing,” she said. Kenyana was born in Uganda in 1980 to father, Idi Rumansukwa and mother, Fresta Mbabazi. She says her parents were determined their children should succeed. “My parents were tough but kind-hearted. They wanted us to grow into responsible citizens,” Kanyana recalls. Her mother was rough and would beat the children when they got things wrong. But Kenyana does not bear a grudge. “I believe in disciplining children because it develops them into better citizens.” “She used to beat me up whenever I could go wrong,” she recalls. Kenyana is the second last in the family of eight children. Kenyana went to Nakasero primary, Rubiri Secondary school in Uganda, and thereafter, traveled to Nairobi-Kenya where she completed higher education. She had a happy childhood. “I was very stubborn and would put my siblings around. Life was thrilling.” She worked as third assistant director and featured in BBC movie Shooting dogs. “You are now a film star,” I congratulate her. She smiles for while and replies, “Though I worked with powerful stars like John hearts here in Rwanda, I am not a film star, it only helped me improve my interpersonal skills,” Kenyana explains. While the ministry Culture and Sports is very keen in promoting soccer in the country, Kenyana believes music is somehow sidelined. “Musicians also need government’s support because music instruments and recording facilities are very expensive for the local artists in the country to afford.” Kenyana admires Tyra Banks, an American woman who encourages fell women around the global to be persevering in whatever challenges they encounter in their lives. She loves Zuena from Family Squad, Egipende of Rafiki, Magulu we of Holly Jar doves group. She also listens to Miss Chanel, Rosstte and Faisal for their good singing voices. Ends