“No Offense,” is a new song that has attracted a lot of comments and positive reactions on YouTube and social media both from local and international fans of the local upcoming artist, Rita Ange Kagaju. The 18-year-old is among a couple of new promising vocalists in the local music industry and joined the IdA Record label which is managed by Preciandre Ufitumukiza. Apart from ‘No Offense’, she has released other songs like A Song to Him, If You Only Knew, Ntibikongere Ukundi, and Jamaa. Kagaju spoke to Sunday Magazine’s Joan Mbabazi about her growing music career, her role models, challenges, and what she thinks of the country’s music industry. When did you discover your talent in singing? Singing is a passion I had from a young age but joining the choir at Restoration Church in Rwamagana at the age of 13 nurtured my talent. I, however, noticed that I was more fascinated with playing the guitar, which I luckily learned using YouTube. What motivated the writing of your new song, “No Offense?”, and is it based on a true story? No Offense is my new song, after Jamaa. It is basically another love song highlighting how women are just as powerful in a relationship as men and how they should never be afraid to say no or leave a relationship if it is not serving them well. Society has given names to girls who say NO openly; “Igishegabo,” “Umwibone” or “Umwirasi” and so on. This is because some girls tend to give in to relationships they aren’t totally comfortable with under the fear of falling beneath society’s expectations in regard to how they should feel or behave. Girls should be receptive and humble enough to respect a man’s feelings and do nothing to hurt them. In this song, a girl was going against the odds and being truthful about how she feels. If it hurts the man, so be it. Everybody regardless of their gender deserves to go with their gut once in a while and put their hearts out without being judged. Did you write all the songs that you have so far sang? I compose my own songs; my first song was composed in 2015, and was titled, “A song to him” I was letting out the love feelings I felt for my crush in Senior One! Writing to me is kind of natural; sometimes I could be quiet but yet having much information dashing in my mind. It could be a phase that I am passing through. I am an introvert, I find it hard speaking out sometimes, however, through singing, I let out my pain, happiness, feelings, love and much more that could be hard for me to say. This makes me feel like some weight has been lifted off me. You recently took part in “I am the future music competition”, what did it teach you? Performing in these competitions was a great experience. I learned that I still lacked skills in stage performance which is one of the reasons I might have not won the competition. Do you sing for passion or for business? At first, it was just communicating my feelings to the world, but I have observed that music can guarantee my future. Music is a friend and I am assured of living the life I have dreamed of. Before it was about enthusiasm, but this year, I started doing it as a profession. I am now invited to different events like birthdays, weddings, among others where I am paid money to perform. I started volunteering in a charity program back at home; I am hoping that if my music career peaks, I will be able to offer more financial support to Gatagara School for children with disabilities. What challenges have you encountered in this profession? I prefer singing in English, it doesn’t mean that I don’t know Kinyarwanda but my voice can only go to the deepest place when I sing English, however, I have noticed that Rwandans prefer songs that are in Kinyarwanda or with some bit of Kinyarwanda words. I am working on it. Also before, I didn’t have a manager, I had a lot of tasks to do, but I am glad I got a manager, he is the one who communicates with the media for interviews, promotes my music, caters for my recordings and videos; he is in charge of costumes, make-up, and much more. I somehow feel relieved. Which musician do you look up to? I want to be like Adele, she is one of the most soulful artists I have ever heard. She isn’t just a singer but a brilliant performer. What is your impression of the Rwandan music industry? We still need to work on culture, it is our duty to inform the world about our culture and we can do so through our songs. The legend Kamaliza cannot be forgotten for her songs as they portrayed the Rwandan culture, unlike now where many artistes just sing for money, fame, and fun. We need songs that can last even if we are gone. How I wish we can blend the cultural and local vibe with the modern style, it will satisfy all generations but keep our uniqueness alive. This is the kind of art I have done with my song, “Jamaa.” editor@newtimesrwanda.com
