TALENTS SUPPORTED at a young age in most cases blossom, but dreams daunted are not offered a chance to be fulfilled. A number of musicians that have been able to stretch their singing aptitudes, are usually supported, financed, or stimulated and given an opportunity to carry on with what they are versed in. Arnold Babou is one of the few teenagers that are living their music dream. At 19-years of age, the hip hop songster is already working on his third music album that he hopes to release soon. He was only eight years old when he gained interest in music. Fortunately, he grew up in a music centered family including his uncle who was part of the music crew known as TFP, back in 2006. Watching his uncle who was a musician and part of that music group gain much cheer and popularity, each time he stepped on stage, inspired Babou to join music. “On many occasions I asked my uncle how it felt when people sang to all his songs excitedly, because I yearned to be a star in and outside Rwanda. When I told my uncle that I wanted to record my own song, he challenged me to read hard and lead my class. Eventually, I ended up winning my class and he fulfilled his promise, so that’s how I joined the music industry,” he explained. Babou fancied hip-hop because it was the genre he listened to mostly and was able to sing at home. He found himself rapping and composing songs after jotting down lyrics in his notebook. He has so far released two albums, each composing of 12 songs, namely; “Umwana n’imbuto” and “So much to say”. The rapper has also collaborated with big brands in the country such as; King James, Tough Gang, Jules Sentore, Emmy, Bact, Usher Juno, among others and won Salax awards’’Best Teens Award’ in 201. Despite his dreams coming true, he is let down by the fact that hip hop music isn’t perceived decent by most people, as it is seen as a genre for drug abusers, hooligans, which limits the artiste’s growth, even though the genre, he believes, can be used as a means to build society. Two months back, the hip hop singer released a song dubbed, “Ibisubizo”, which encourages people to work hard and be solutions, rather than problems. The song was produced by S4dm and directed by Eliel Sando. Some of his other songs include, “So much to say”, “Ibikorwa”, “Rimwe Kabiri”, “Do it”, “Arambona agaseka” (Zizou featuring all stars), among others, majority of which promote hard work, exploring potential, and preserving peace. He completed high school at College Saint Andre in Mathematics, Physics and Geography combination and is anticipating to join University. Babou also dreams to make a positive change in the lives of street children.
