Two months ago, 22-year-old Oda Martín Uwimanzi, known by her stage name La Reina, made a decision to commit herself into a music. Backed by her brother and producer Prince Khiiz’s record label Hybrid Music, La Reina is pushing her way to establishing herself as the new queen of Rwandan music and her first project ‘Nditinya’ is already out with a video, marking a promising start for the young artist. Khiiz produced the song and he did it not because he’s La Reina’s brother but because it is what he committed to doing when he signed her into his music label. The produced, born Chris Irasubiza, told The New Times that his sister signed a five-year contract with La Rena in Hybrid Music Label, where he will serve as her producer and manager. “I wanted someone with a passion for music and new to the industry. After learning that she can play guitar, write songs, and face any obstacles, I signed her. Actually, she is doing great,” he said. “Her first single hit 100,000 YouTube views in only one week. I think, with consistency. she can do it,” he added. Growing up in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, La Reina’s passion for music led her to forego to Nyundo School of Music and art to pursue her dream career. She was thinking of following nothing worth of a career but music. “I grew up fond of music, singing songs from movies. After finishing secondary school, I decided to learn music instead of going to university,” she told The New Times. La Reina's journey into music started at a tender age, where she would often sing in events and it was not until senior three that she discovered her true potential. “One day in the classroom, we were bored, and someone sang a song. They asked me to join, and when I did, everyone was amazed. That's when I realized I had a singing talent, and later on, I would sing in wedding ceremonies right after secondary school,” she recalled. Her creative process is deeply personal and that inspires her to write her own songs. I write for myself. We learned music composition in school, and I developed it further after graduating. I've even written songs for other artists like Juno Kizigenza and Bruce Melody, she said. One of her notable works with established artists includes Injyana, Juno Kizigenza’s most recent song which features Ariel Wayz. She has also contributed to Bruce Melody's upcoming album. Looking ahead, La Reina has big plans for her music career looking forward to releasing many songs. “Probably next month, I'll drop something new, she announced. She may be enjoying a commendable breakthrough in music but La Reina's journey has not been a smooth one. My journey was not easy. Everything was new for me - the media, the experience. During the shoot of 'Nditinya,' my producer, who is also my brother, fell sick, and I had to manage everything on my own. It was mentally challenging, but we went through it, she recounted. Connecting with her fans is a vital part of La Reina's career. She receives positive feedback through social media and YouTube comments, which motivates her to keep going. “The feedback is good. They write to me in my DM and leave positive comments. It gives me the courage to continue moving forward with my career,” she said. As La Reina continues to navigate her burgeoning career, she remains focused on her growth and connecting with her audience. With her talent, determination, and growing fan base, La Reina is undoubtedly a rising star to watch in Rwanda's vibrant music scene.
