WHILE MANY MUSIC FANS percieve Hip Hop to be a free style music genre that requires purely talent. But some rappers who have been in the game for some time believe that there should be more to talent and the need to pursue music studies to hone one’s talent. Danny Ntakirutimana, best known as Danny Nanone who recently completed his studies from Nyundo Music School told The New Times that delivering the best music quality has been his dream, so he decided to leave everything, including fame, wealth, and fans to pursue music. “Some people think that rap music is just an easy genre of music, but there is more to it and it is even harder than others, from the writing, rhythm and flowing. Yes, I was singing Hip Hop before going to study music, but now I also know music business and music production as well,” he said, The ‘Forever’ and ‘Iri Joro’ hit maker added that now that he is done with his studies which he confirms that it made him a better artiste, said that he is now coming stronger than before in the Hip Hop industry as well as some other genres, since now he is better at them all. Siti True Karigombe, explained that the fact that more often Hip Hop artistes join the industry, compared to other genre artists, those that remain are still few. This, he said, because Hip Hop is not an easy genre instead, it requires a lot more, where sometimes going for further studies becomes an option. Karigombe who recently released his first Extended Play dubbed, ‘Mba ndi mu kazi Petit,’ a project that came after he graduted from Nyundo School of Art, advised other Rappers to try their best and go for it if they may since it adds a lot of value to the products they deliver. He said, “If you do Rhythm and Poetry (RAP) you are such a talented creature. But if you can spare sometime and study music, please do so and enhance your talent!” Marie Rose Gasana, 20, who is currently a student in Level 3 said that she can’t see herself into any other genre apart from doing Hip Hop, and so the passion she had for it motivated her to further skills. Gasana who said how she used to look up to Nicky Minaj, Cardi B, which is proof that girls also do and love Hip Hop. “Dear girls, know that you can make it and yes it is doable. I decided to pursue music school due to the love I had for rap music. When you study it you do it much better than others who didn’t study music. Frank Shema, whose stage name is Frank M, another Hip Hop artist who graduated from Nyundo Music School, is grateful for such an amazing opportunity and declared that Hip Hop is not at all a free style genre. Instead it is very challenging and requires talent, which when combined with some skills from school results into a huge and adorable music. Frank added, “Many people don’t even know that Hip Hop has four known different styles; Old School, New School, Trap and Drill are the most known ones. You can be a rapper and a vocalist and still know more about production too! As a rapper I wanted to add value to my writing skills as a professional not like anyone out there. Now that I’m done with studies, I’m here to serve you the best Hip Hop music.” M Kay Igisonga who is soon releasing a song with Siti True Karigombe, said that it is not always a must to study music in order to be the best rapper, but it is so special when you do so with attitude, knowledge and skills since you do it professionally. “Generally, artistes need some training and studies instead of just doing things for the sake of doing it. That way, we will do it perfectly and be more successful and I believe that drug abuse among rappers and youth will come to an end since through rap some messages are delivered,” Igisonga said. A very common lesson for all these rappers, apart from studying music business, writing, singing and everything related to vocals, is music production as well as learning several music instruments like piano, guitar, drums amongst others. They all confirm that being able to do some production increases the quality of music you do since you play part in its process. Talking to The New Times, Mighty Popo who teaches music shared his point of view. “Rap is a natural talent, it is not for everyone. Both boys and girls do good when it comes to rap. Whoever is doing Hip Hop, if you are not able to sit in class, at least learn from the best who did it best and nurture your talent widely.” Popo said that among the criteria to study at Nyundo, not releasing a song is one of them. They record and share them after graduating since they will be having enough time.
