Ever since they left the country for the United States of America, about two years ago, Rwanda’s popular musicians, The Ben and Meddy, have been missing from the music scene.
Ever since they left the country for the United States of America, about two years ago, Rwanda’s popular musicians, The Ben and Meddy, have been missing from the music scene.
They left the country in the company of some government delegates from the Ministry of Sports and Culture to perform in an event in the United States of America but sought refuge there.
Their defection left their fans dejected with some of them criticising the two of not being patriotic enough.
In an exclusive interview with Rwanda Today from Chicago, The Ben explained the reason why they decided to stay in the US, and what they have in store for their fans back home. The Ben, who also spoke on behalf of his colleague Meddy, said they share a house and are working well with other Rwandan artistes.
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The Ben, tell us where you are based now and how many are you?
We are now based in Chicago where we started a label called ‘Press one Entertainment’. It involves some of the Rwandan artistes based in the US including me, Meddy, K8 Kavuyo, LIK LIK and Cedru.
The Ben what do you have to tell Rwandans and your fans in particular, who are still angry that you left the country for a mission in the US only to remain there afterwards?
Apparently it seemed that way but it is not correct. We came for a reason and we have proved it so far. It feels bad and awkward when you know that you have left people who loved you.
That’s why I would always go on my knees and apologise for that big-time mistake. But on the other hand I may say this is what we wanted to do. We needed to go abroad and show people there the truth about Rwanda.
You said you left the country with a reason. What have you done so far to improve the image of Rwanda?
My brother even ‘Press One Entertainment’ itself is a picture of how committed and passionate Rwanda is living in one vibe. In addition, whatever we do by entertaining people here we proudly talk about Rwanda and show the world what Rwanda means.
We also came up with this concept that describes “Rebuild With Africa Never Divide Again” (RWANDA). We have had many shows in Chicago, recorded by ‘Press One’ artistes.
We have even worked together with Chicago local great artistes like Sean Nitty, Implicity and so on. As I said we have upcoming shows one of them being the Chicago African American festival.
When should your fans expect you back in Rwanda and what should they expect from you?
We will be back in our country before next year, I am talking of 2013. The package we have for them is really huge. It’s unbelievable, unstoppable, incredible things they have never had before in Rwandan music Industry.
We started the journey with agony. Good things come to those who wait, but great things come to those who work for them.
We love them, we miss them big time and we want to assure them that we are here for them. They will be surprised by the package we have prepared for them.