Meeting songster Meddy

On mentioning the name Meddy in today’s Rwanda, what rushes to many minds is ‘a talented singer’. With his perfect voice, song-writing skills and dance moves, Medard Ngabo aka Meddy has proved himself as the ‘undisputed king’ of local RnB. SundayMag’s EMMA PRINCE met the 20 year-old hit-maker and he had a lot to tell his fans, excerpts below: Sunda Mag: Tell us something about you. Meddy: I am Meddy from Rwanda. My friends say am cool and a little serious but sometimes funny. SM: You have been silent since your return from South Africa, what’s up? Meddy: These days, I am occupied with shooting videos for my songs and preparing the DVD (video) for my ‘Amayobera’ album launch show of last year. SM: You have achieved a lot in music, so young and so fast. How do you play your cards? Meddy: I take my time in writing the song and producing it. I try to do what is perfect to my ears and to a few friends of mine and wait for the response of the fans. That’s why I have a few songs, I guess. SM: So what do you have in store for your fans this season? Meddy: The launch show DVD I told you and the videos will be out really soon. I will also do more music plus complements. SM: Who inspires you as a singer or dancer? Meddy: Micheal Jackson was my man. SM: Imagine you woke up one morning with that Micheal Jackson superstar status, what would you do? Meddy: If I had that money and world, I would do charity; helping widows, orphans and also assisting fellow artists. SM: How do you relax? Meddy: I like chilling around my friends; perhaps out for fun or in club, though I don’t dance a lot. I also do some sports. SM: Do you have a girlfriend? And if so, what is the name of that lucky one? Meddy: No, I don’t have one. SM: Who is the perfect woman, for you? Meddy: I look at the personalities most of the time. I prefer a sweet, kind hearted and God fearing lady. SM: What are those moments in your life that you don’t wish to forget? Meddy: I have always said this; my ‘Amayobera’ album launch on December 24, 2009 made me so happy. I sometimes remember the day and feel like it was yesterday or am dreaming. I don’t think that I will forget it. SM: What was it like, going to South Africa to sing? Meddy: It was fun. I enjoyed the trip, got more friends, performed and got more fans. SM: What is the biggest challenge being a celebrity? Meddy: A celebrity is sometimes busier than comfortable, reply emails, fixing performances…. It also turns out a challenge to a man who loves some privacy. SM: How is you relationship with other artists like The Ben, Tom Close and King James who pose as your style competitors? Meddy: The three are in fact my best friends actually. I always try to be at good terms with all the artists, whether my competitors or not. SM: What is the next stride you plan to take in the near future? Meddy: I am writing English songs and I am now thinking of going international. Our music would have got beyond our borders if we had diversified languages. SM: Does this have a thing to do with your recent visit to South Africa? Meddy; Well, I made some contacts while in S.A which will help me in my music. I will go back for University this August which is like becoming part of their music. SM: What’s your word to Rwandan artists, more beef? Meddy: No, I don’t like beef. I wish all artists were united. It would bring out something better. They should also cooperate with the media to bring more life in showbiz. SM: What’s your say on the Rwandan society concerning local music? Meddy: I am grateful to what Rwandans offer to our music. But I also think Rwandan enterpreneurs need to consider sponsoring artists more for further development of the industry. SM: That’s it Meddy. Thanks for sharing your piece with the SundayMag. Meddy: Thanks Prince, I am honoured. Ends