Neptunez band brings diversity to music lovers

Its members are a blended cocktail of diversity. Out of four vocalists, two are Rwandans. A Congolese and Kenyan play the guitar and violin respectively, while Ugandans play the keyboard and saxophone. This sums up the diversity of Neptunez band’s music. Formed in May 2014, the group plays various genres of music like jazz, zouk, reggae and Afro. On Tuesday afternoon, I caught up with the group during rehearsals. Band leader Herbert Rock with his longtime friend, the saxophone. Herbert Rock, the band head is a Ugandan saxophonist. He says the idea of forming the Neptunez was hatched after he performed at Kwibuka 20 Anniversary celebrations. “After the commemoration performance, I met Remmy Lubega - the band manager – and he suggested that I scout for members from the region and we form a band. So I got one member who connected me to the next, and the next suggested a friend… finally we were a band,” he explains. He adds that the whole idea behind the birth of Neptunez was to bring what didn’t exist in town, something new. “Our aim was to do a fusion of all music within the region and beyond. Music is broad and we try to entertain with a variety as we possibly can,” Asked if their aim has been achieved, band leader Herbert thoughtfully thinks about it and replies that music in Rwanda is still sluggish. He, however, adds that he’s positive that will soon change. “During some of the gigs we’ve had like the KigaliUp, people are always mesmerized to see us on stage. That means that those who understand the flavor of live band performances do appreciate, says the dreadlocked Herbert, who has been blowing a saxophone for the last nine years. With two albums already out, the Neptunez believe that sky is the limit so far. “We sing in over three languages and I think we’re the only band in town with a saxophone.” But success never comes easy and regulations about noise pollution have been a big hindrance. “We expected to perform may be four or five times a week, but we are no longer performing in some places because of noise pollution. Right now we are looking for places that are soundproofed,” says Herbert. Great melodies from Masha on the Violin. Masha is a female member of the band. Before joining the Neptunez a year ago, she was singing in Kampala with bands like Majesties and Wedding Crashers, among others. She says she is not intimidated being in a group that is largely male. “Compared to other bands I was with before, I think the way we communicate on stage is the best ever. “Sometimes we successfully pull off something on stage that we never rehearsed and that only comes with professionalism,” she says. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Neptunez band brings diversity to music lovers