Hip-hop runs deep in Riderman’s blood

IN the past few years we have come across a growing number of local musicians developing interest in Hip-hop. While the genre was initially not common and not appreciated by many on the local music scene, today, Hip-hop is dominating the airwaves in Rwanda.One of the famous Rwandan Hip-hop artistes, Riderman, 25, talks about his love for music and what inspired him to go for Hip-hop. Below are the excerpts:Can you identify a moment in your life (before your music career) when you realised music was your passion and you wanted to pursue it as a career?I grew up from a Christian and musical family. My mother and sisters sing gospel music, and every night we used to sing and pray before going to sleep. I wasn’t shy to sing along and this helped me realise my talent.Right from when I was a little kid I loved music as well as writing poetry, which inspired my love for Hip-hop. Poetry has a big influence on rap. One day, I attended late Lucky Dube’s concert at Amahoro stadium, and I really admired his high-energy performance and talent. It was then that I decided to develop my talent and take it to another level.I started to sing and people loved my performance; so I guess from that moment on I wanted to sing. This definitely made me want to pursue music as a career.My music career started in April 2006, in a group called UTP.Who would you credit as your musical influence or inspiration?There are very many artistes I give the credit. When I had just started singing, I was inspired by the late Jean-Christopher Matata, Benjamin Rutabana and Kidumu. But, later, when I grew up and after I had learnt English and French, I started listening to the likes of Tupac Amaru Shakur, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne and Diam’s music. These artistes have had considerable influence on my singing as is evident in my style of music today. They have played such a huge role in what type of artiste I am today.My family is also a true inspiration to me, and it feels great to be a part of a family where we all have the same interests and take so much joy in doing similar things. You have worked very hard at your career since the early days and won several awards. Many young people aspiring to a career in entertainment view it with dreamy eyes. What advice can you offer them about the hard work it takes to establish the kind of respected status you have today?For the dream to become a reality, one has to work extra hard. All I tell them is to have a dream, develop self-confidence and work hard to achieve the dream. However, success is not all about having a lot of money or fame; it is doing what you love and being happy with who you are. Stay humble, respect and allow God to guide you. Enjoy every moment on stage, and sing from the heart – that is what will make you successful.You have shared stage with almost all international stars that have performed in the country. Who are some of your favourite artistes and what makes them special for you?Yes, I have performed with Sean Paul, Lauryn Hill, Mr Flavour, Elephant Man, Koffi Olomide, Brick and Lace, Sean Kingston and D’banj. But Shaggy is definitely one of my favourite artistes – among those I have been privileged to share stage with.His performance in Rwanda was terrific. Shaggy is super-talented and down-to-earth, which is why he has been around for a long time — and still among the most respected artistes of all time.Some of these stars, when they come in Africa they perform for only a few minutes, sometimes giving playback shows. But Shaggy gives a genuine and live performance.While in Rwanda, he staged a live show and performed more than 30 songs. He really proved to us what an artiste should do on stage – regardless of the money or the audience.Your fans voted you to the Top 10 Primus Guma Guma finalists, and winning 2011 Salax Award, any words for them?I love my fans because they are so supportive and they are everything I am today. They make me believe in myself and work very hard. Thanks to Bralirwa and the East African Promoters for giving us an opportunity to develop our music and reach it out to all our fans in country. I also thank them once again for organising the Primus Guma Guma Superstar Season 2. The competition is going to be spectacular, and I request all my fans and the lovers of Hip-hop music to support me – I know we can win this competition. What is your latest project?I am currently working on my fourth album called Kwimbura. It has 12 tracks and will be produced from my studio Ibisumizi Records. I am also pursuing a degree in Tourism Management at Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC).

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Hip-hop runs deep in Riderman’s blood