23-year-old Rwandan artiste, popularly known as Isimbi Dee, recently debuted her music career with a new jam ‘Umbababrire’. Isimbi Dee, a singer, actress, and composer, collaborates with various artistes through poems and songs. Real name Dorcas Umutoni, the singer has been a music enthusiast since childhood but never dared to get involved till she became an adult. “When I was young, music was the only thing that made me comfortable, but back then, all I could do was hum…” says Umutoni, laughing. “I knew that I loved music when I was in Year One of high school, and I tried to write my first song in 2017, I know I loved it, but I lacked confidence,” she adds. The young artiste conquered her fears and started singing in choirs from church, and step by step, she blended in. “I love music, and music is life for me,” says Umutoni, adding, “When you love music, you try different ways to make it your thing.” After officially starting her singing career in 2020 and securing management with Ishusho, Umutoni recently released her song called ‘Umbabarire’ which Ayoo Rash produced. The artiste plans to release her album and says it will be a banger. Umutoni engages her audience by doing afro-fusion and afro funky songs, and she says it is her style. “Music is my career. It is my passion, hobby, and work because I can’t do something I don’t enjoy.” Umutoni points out that young upcoming artistes face the challenge of people claiming to support them yet they want other favours from them, and she calls out to fellow artistes to be aware. “When I started this career as a solo artiste I met many challenges, and many young artistes go through that, but after you sit and realise what’s happening, you back off and stand strong,” says Umutoni. “I advise fellow artistes, especially young girls, to be careful and focus on working hard and learn to say no.” Asked about the future, Umutoni plans on going international and making her country proud. “I want to make music as an international artiste. We already have some good talented artistes, but they are still local,” she says. “To achieve that, I have to make good music that will reach the international market,” she adds.
