The Ben finds his musical footing

If there’s something that many Rwandan artistes in the Diaspora are doing, it is getting better and better musically. One of these impressive talents is US-based Rwandan singer, Benjamin Mugisha, better known as The Ben. Having received overwhelming applause for his song Ntacyadutanya, The Ben recently released the video of the song Only You featuring France-based renowned Rwandan musician Benjamin Kayiranga. The song is currently enjoying massive airplay on most radio and TV stations in Rwanda. The I’m in Love star said that the song is part of a series of music activities he is planning and that he is honoured to feature a musician who he calls “legendary”. “I’m working so hard to put my name out there and promote my country internationally. It’s now or never,” he said, adding that collaborating with Ben Kayiranga meant a lot to him. “He’s a legend in Rwandan music,” he said. According to The Ben, the video, which was shot in Paris and Brussels, is a dream come true. “Kayiranga brought up the idea in 2012 and it was hard for us to make it happen at the time,” The Ben said. The R&B singer recently launched his album Ko Nahindutse in Brussels, Belgium, where thousands of his fans in the Diaspora turned up for the concert. This was followed by a performance in Paris at one of the biggest annual music festivals L’Afrique au Zenith. When asked about his return to the country, the singer said, “I’m coming back home very soon.” The Ben has released very many songs. Some of them include I am In Love, I Can See, Ntacyadutanya, and Ko Nahindutse. The 28-year-old is scheduled to headline the Liberation Day concert organised by Rwandans living Holland on July 9. “I will perform for the Rwandan community in Holland on Liberation Day. It’s an honour doing a service to my country on such an important day in the history of Rwanda,” said The Ben. The Ben rose to fame in 2008 after the release of his single Amaso ku Maso. The singer/songwriter continues to dominate the mainstream music scene. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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The Ben finds his musical footing