Living the dream

SundayTimes: Tell the readers about your background; names, family, place of birth, schools…etc, Rukundo: My name is Frank Rukundo, but most people call me by my stage name Frankie Joe. I was born on February 22nd 1981 in Kampala, Uganda. I studied my primary education at Kireka Primary School, and then joined Real College Busunjju, before coming back to Rwanda in 2002 where I finished my secondary education at Kigali International Academy (now Kagarama Secondary School). After passing my secondary school, I got a government bursary and joined the National University of Rwanda-NUR where I majored in Business Administration and Finance. SundayTimes: How did you begin loving music? Rukundo: Ever since I knew of my existence in this world, I had great love for music. I remember when I was about three, I used to sing a few lines from most of the songs on radio; be it local or international music. Actually my mum often told me how I was a better musician than my peers in nursery school. Generally, I think music loved me and not the other way round. SundayTimes: Any person you think is the reason behind your success as a professional musician? Rukundo: Like I explained earlier, music has always been part of me; I enjoy doing music at anytime of the day in any place. However, I have to accept that, as I grew up as a professional musician, there are people I looked up to because of their exceptional voices and music skills. I have been greatly inspired by songs of Joe, Luther Vandross, Jaheim but above all, most of my success has been due to the brilliance and guidance of Kidum, who also happens to be a great friend. SundayTimes: When was your first stage performance? Rukundo: That was way back in 1999 while I was still living in Kampala. I almost fell off the stage because the crowd booed me. This showed me that my performance was substandard compared to other artists but it also gave me the strength to work harder and get standing ovations like the rest of the musicians I saw on TV. SundayTimes: What genre is your work (music)? Who are your major influences today? Rukundo: Originally, considered my self an RnB musician but as time has gone on, I think I am an afro-dance RnB musician because my music is a mixture of afro beats and dance beats that people love to dance to. SundayTimes: As a musician who has lived and recorded songs in Rwanda, is there a Rwandan musician that you think is worth mentioning or promising to make it internationally? Rukundo: Samputu was good, have no idea what happened to him, but I always loved his tunes and the art behind it all. All in all, I think there are many upcoming musicians who will one day make it globally. SundayTimes: Do you have a record label? Rukundo: Yes, I am signed to Mingi Love Records based in Nairobi Kenya SundayTimes: Do you get enough stage performances in Canada as you did in Rwanda? Rukundo: Truth is, Rwanda will always be my favorite venue, I don’t know whether it’s just that I am not used to the crowds here compared to those in Rwanda, but I really love performing in Rwanda. However, in Canada, I have performed in Ottwa, Montreal, and Edmonton. Recently, I had one of my best shows around Canada with Kidum. I plan to be in Rwanda this December if all goes well. SundayTimes: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time? Rukundo: I write most of my songs, though there are times my producer adds in stuff here and there to match with what he wants to record, which is a great thing. About changing, Hahahahaha…!! I am a lover boy, I would like to write songs depending on current events, circumstances and situations, but I find it much easier for me to write love songs. SundayTimes: What has been your biggest challenge as a musician? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? Rukundo: There’s always been lots of challenges, and there will be more, but as the saying goes, quitters never win and winners never quit, I have always tried to do my best and do what I believe in; music,, thus I have turned all those challenges into new ways and opportunities of how I can make my talent better. For example, tried my best to expand my fan base, worked with great producers with experience and also sang in different languages. SundayTimes: Where do you see yourself in the future? Rukundo: In a few years, my dream is to hit it internationally, because I am a strong believer of the fact that the death of your struggles determines the height of your success. SundayTimes: What advice do you have for young Rwandese musicians who want to make it in the music industry? Rukundo: All I can tell them is that, nothing comes easy. To make it big, you need to combine factors like, hard work, patience, confidence, creativity and lots of prayers. SundayTimes: How many albums do you have (or songs), your best song and why you prefer it to others? Rukundo: I am done with my very first album titled ‘Alive to Love’ that has 13 songs. I’ve also started work on my second album which I hope to release early next year. SundayTimes: Apart from music is there any other talent that you have and people don’t know about? Rukundo : I am a fashion model here in Canada working under a model agency. Also, I do some acting and event organizing. Ends