Sgt. Kabera quits Army Jazz band

Sgt. Robert Kabera, a former Army Jazz Band member is now a music star. He has been in the industry for quite sometime and by the look of things, this guy is here to stay—at least for sometime. Sgt. Kabera’s maiden hit ‘Weekend’ is a ballad we all love to listen to. He is popular for his successful hit ‘Igihugu cyacyu’ (our country). And he has new hits. Actually, a whole audio! The title is ‘Kigali Vipi’, and it’s already enjoying massive airplay on local radios.Like ‘Kigali Vipi’, ‘Weekend’, another track on his audio is also hit. No doubt, this audio might add him points during the nominations of 2009’s Pearl of Africa Music Awards. In December, Kabera will be launching his new audio at Serena Kigali Hotel. He is to perform with Intore Masamba, Eric Rukundo, Rafiki (the Choge Style), Tom Close, Eric Nzaramba during a live concert. The audio contains of 14 tracks, which include: Weekend, Kigali Vipi, “Imanda”, Igihugu cyacyu,” among others. Some selections on the audio include: “Uwezo tunao,” Weekend remix,” Igihugu cyacyu…” This is his second album, following the previous one launched in 2006. The preparations for his audio and video started since October, 2007. All the tracks were produced by “Narrow Road Studio, One way Production, among others. So far, Kabera has released 20 singles and one album. Kabera shared a few things about his audio and a few more things. TNT: What does it take to release an album and particularly your latest piece of work? Sgt. Kabera: It all depends on my schedule. If I’m busy with the army duties, it might take me a year, or plus, to compose songs, and compile them accordingly. TNT: Tell us about your audio ‘Kigali Vipi’? Sgt. Kabera: Well, it was a way of cheering up my fans. The word ‘Vipi’ is a Swahili word meaning ‘hey’. In other words, it’s a greeting. TNT: It’s your audio; does that mean you have worked on it all by yourself? Sgt. Kabera: Yes. I did work on it myself. TNT: Tell us about the competition in the local music industry? Sgt. Kabera: Rwandan musicians are slowly beginning to learn the spirit of collaboration, unlike in the past when every artiste was working on his/her own. This is a good move, and I believe in a few years, we shall be admired. ‘No man is an island’. Indeed, like in other sectors, in the music industry, each one needs the other’s hand! However, there are major negativities, mostly created by the managers and producers. Some of these people have created division among artistes. And the trouble, is when, they are nominating best artistes for the Pam Awards. They have specific artistes nominated, not because they are the best, but are favoured. TNT: What do you expect from your fans, especially after the release of your first ever audio? Sgt. Kabera: I took my time to prepare for this audio. And I believe the quality of the lyrics is great. I have also organised for an extraordinary concert. I’m doing all this for my fans. I therefore believe that they will not be disappointed. TNT: Any last words? Sgt. Kabera: I call up all Rwandans to love music and support local musicians, the way they do to games, especially soccer. Music is love and consolation! That’s why when someone is stressed or troubled he or plays a specific song to be consoled. Ends

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Sgt. Kabera quits Army Jazz band