Christopher’s decade long dominion journey in the Rwandan music

Muneza Christopher, Rwandan leading RnB star and Rwanda’s s darling. He was widely known by his single name “Christopher”. He started his music career in 2010, after winning a competition that was organized by one of the most successful record labels called “Kina music” owned by one of the big producers in Rwanda “Producer Clement”. Then he signed a Management contract within music, it was a good deal for both parties.

Apr 23, 2021 - 06:04
Apr 23, 2021 - 06:39
 3
Christopher’s decade long dominion journey in the Rwandan music

 

Muneza Christopher, Rwandan leading RnB star and Rwanda’s s darling. He was widely known by his single name “Christopher”. He started his music career in 2010, after winning a competition that was organized by one of the most successful record labels called “Kina music” owned by one of the big producers in Rwanda “Producer Clement”. Then he signed a Management contract within music, it was a good deal for both parties.

 

Christopher’ journey with the Kina Music label

 

Record labels normally coordinate the production, distribution, marketing, promotion, and enforcement of copyright for sound recordings and music videos, while also conducting talent scouting and development of new artists and maintaining contracts with other recording artists. Which was a very opportune deal for a fresh young talented lad Christopher at the age of only 16.

 

Seven years under the management of kina music label, a lot was done, he was very excellent, and the favorite to many. A very iconic artist in the Rwandan music industry. All were fond of and addicted to Christopher’s romantic songs and the uniqueness of his voice. “Irijoro”, a collaboration with the rapper “Danny Nanone” who was also a big name in the country by the time is the song that confirmed his breakthrough. It is to this day a timeless hit.

 

Later on, he released other songs such as “Ndabyemeye”, “Birahagije”, “Uwo munsi”, and “Byanze”. Those were released in four consecutive months. That got him nominated in the biggest top 10 artists competition called “PGGS (Primus Guma Guma Super Star”)and he was recognized as the first youngest artist to ever attend that contest. More hit songs were released in 2014, 2015,2016 and part of 2017 notably“Bavuga”, “Abasitari”, “Agatima”, “Dutegereje iki” and many more. Christopher competed in three more PGGS contests where he has crowned the 1st run-up in all three! He also got nominated in Salax awards and won as the Best RnB artist in 2016. He was also nominated in Kora Africa that was one of the biggest awards in Africa!

 

Unfortunately in 2017, Christopher and his management Kina music terminated their partnership.

 

 

 

Christopher’s music journey outside the record label

 

Christopher’s journey continued out of the label. The fan base was still thirsty for his music. 2017 and 2018 were not a bad year for him, he attended both seasons of PGGS and became second run up twice! More songs like “Ijuru rito”, “Simusiga”, “Izina ryange”, “ndakwemera”, “Uti sorry”, “Isezerano”, “Your body”, “Ko wakonje”, “Breathe” and many more few. He had collaborations with other artists but due to a lot of work like production, marketing, and distribution that were done by the management before, was all on his head. He had to do it all without leaving behind recording songs and concerts! He was on his own.

 

Christopher after failing to get the PGGS top artist in 2018, his musical vibrancy decreased up to now! Though, the “Fact show” has reported that this artist’s Decline was caused by the stress and instability he witnessed during a long period when his late mother was serious until the time she passed on in 2021 (may her soul rest in peace). In a certain interview, he revealed what kind of agony his mother went through.

Christopher was hit by the biggest tragedy that can hit a man. He lost his mother after a long time sitting by her deathbed. It must have been depressing for the artist.

 

One of Christopher’s big moments was when his live show on Valentine’s Day of 2020 was blessed enough to host the country’s, first lady. His Romantic songs attracted crowds and that day, in particular, he performed with Africa’s giants, “Kassav” and no one of his fans will ever forget how much of a great night that was.

 

What would reboot Christopher?

 

Christopher, besides being a Rwandan music icon, is a big brand. All the Rwandans are eager to see him back in action and he would definitely regain his momentum. That is if he gets a new management label to accompany him in his work or journey as an artist. 

In the new music era, it is primitive to run Music as a business on one’s own because there is so much that is done in music beyond singing. Christopher deserves arms that can put his experience into life-altering success. 

No wonder he is still mourning for his beloved mother but if not careful, his success and fame might extinguish and the highly esteemed Christopher might become just a memory before too late. 

Content creator:Umuragwa Caleb 

 

 

 

 

Peacemaker MBARUBUKEYE-Etienne-Peacemaker is a professional Journalist who holds bachelor degree in Journalism and Communication from University of Rwanda. CEO of Media and Development Consultancy Ltd, this company is specialized in media consulting, training, promoting social media as well as doing research. He was the digital lead at Jobcenter.rw a company of Afrimedia ltd. He worked as a senior journalist at Isango Star (Radio and television), co-chief editor, and documentarist (Isango Sobanukirwa), Program director (Sunday Night show) as well as social media manager. He worked at B&B Fm-Umwezi as journalist and documentarist. He was a content creator at Fine fm and City radio. He worked at Inyarwanda.com/TV. He worked at Empathy Manor Organics (Nigerian company based in Kigali) as an interviewer. He is the Social media content creator. He was director of Sunday Choice Live (The leading entertainment TV weekly show in Rwanda aired at Isibo Tv). He is a House and Roadshow DJ. Since May 2023 he works at Inyarwanda.com /Tv email:filousteven@gmail.com, Tel: 0786126175