Rwanda positive about Wasafi arrival

The studio announcement was received with excitement and optimism by players in the showbiz industry.

Speaking exclusively to Music In Africa, the director of Clouds TV Rwanda, Lee Ndayisaba, who is also working alongside Wasafi in Rwanda, welcomed the move and said it was “an opportunity to build bridges”.

Having watched Diamond grow from just a performing artist to someone who understands the challenges that face artists, Ndayisaba is every bit as optimistic as the industry at large.

“Diamond is more alive to the opportunities and ventures that help address the same challenges he went through as an artist,” Ndayisaba said. “Coming to Rwanda is part of his growth and business acumen. Wasafi has built a big name in the region from molding new acts as well as supporting the existing ones via different ways. One such means is the Wasafi.com platform where artists are monetising their art. Wasafi has also brought new names to the limelight – Rayvanny and Harmonize.”

While he was in the country, Diamond took the opportunity to have dinner with local artists, producers and music managers. Key on the agenda was a discussion on global trends vs local practices and to identify areas of regional cooperation.

Although the Rwandan music industry has seen an upward trend, it still lags behind regional giants like Tanzania, DRC, Uganda and Kenya. It is yet to produce big stars with regional appeal and industry players are hoping that the boost from Wasafi Records will give local artists a crossover appeal.

“The world is no longer an island with the emergence of technology,” Ndayisaba said. “Artists are looking for more ways to appeal to the region and the globe. Rwanda is ready to cross over and Wasafi is one of the avenues for such a move.”

Rwandese singer, songwriter and radio presenter Uncle Austin also shares similar sentiments. With a career spanning more than 13 years, Uncle Austin, whose real name is Tosh Austin Luwano, has made a name for himself as a major player in the Rwandan showbiz industry. And although the details of the impending move by Wasafi are still sketchy, he still views it as a way to help emerging talents.

“Rwandan artists have been working hard, you can tell by the quality of music and music videos being released that there is a huge change,” he told Music In Africa. “We have for the first time more than five Rwandese artists on international, mainstream media platforms. I think Wasafi's exposure and connections will benefit the Rwandan market and its artists.”