The Rwanda music scene has registered massive growth over the years with the rise of “new school “musicians such as Meddy, Tom Close, The Ben among others that continue to showcase their talent over the airwaves. However, this progressive cycle has inevitably stagnated. This is due to an increase in mediocre artists in the industry which consequently leads to a blend between the good and the bad thus hindering and ultimately saturating the growth of the music industry.
However, devoted musical producer, aficionado and well established veteran in the industry, Barick is executing a revolutionary idea that has the potential to not only bring a radical change but to also save the music industry. His vision is promotion and establishment of the live band. This is a simple, fundamental and self explanatory concept that has been deficient within the music industry. Time and time, again we are treated to an unrealistic, rambling and pitiable method of “lip synching” or playback.
This method not only denies the audience the chance to experience music in a more enjoyable way by immersion into the realness of the sound, vocals and melody but it also camouflages the real lack of talent. Artists have fans down by pretentiously performing under the illusion of studio quality sound that is credited to the instruments as opposed to the performers themselves.
Barick is looking to put an end to this by embarking on a mission to promote a whole new way of expressing music. He is a genuine music enthusiast. He studied music at a seminary in Indera and later on travelled to Portugal to pursue his studies in Biochemistry and then Belgium to continue his higher education. During his tenure overseas, he produced some artists such as Dgeep in Portugal and Belgium.
He returned to Rwanda in 2006 and has since worked with many musicians such as Bizzy B, Faycal, Asher Junior, DMC and Young Tone through his label Brick music. Jackson, DMC and Asher Junior will release their albums projected in August under his label. He has also collaborated with other producers such as Derrick Davis and Mastola on various productions.
His experience in Rwanda has allowed him to evaluate the music scene. He says genres such as RnB and Hip Hop had registered growth for a short while but have since stagnated. “We want to take part in this continuity of growth in music that’s why we envisioned the live band. ” He is in a joint collaboration with another producer Mastola and included are ten other members of the live band that have undertaken the challenge of encouraging and promoting real musical experience to fans across the nation. Its role and aim will be to produce music for any artists looking to perform live concerts and offer guidance while at the same time supporting the concept.
“The increased popularity of music in Rwanda has recently encouraged more artists into the industry. Unfortunately, some of these artists are average and continuous accumulation of such has led to a stage where we can no longer move forward,” Says Barick , “However the live band will be able to bring a distinction between the good and the bad ; this distinction will not only put an end to confusion that faced by fans but it will also lead to promotion of good music from talented artists”.
The live band is a great idea because it not only purifies the music but has the potential to increase attendance. The concept that is assumed by some of the “old school artists” is a very popular among fans from the middle class. It would be safe to assume that weak attendance and reluctance of fans to watch their stars perform would be due to the anticipated dissatisfaction and displeasure of playback performances.
It would be safe to say that its institution is bound to contribute to an increased fan base in the country and lead to a new era of making and presenting music that will undoubtedly take the Rwandan music industry forward.
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