In Rwanda, setting up a music production business is becoming as easy as starting a grocery shop, since with only a microphone and a computer plus freely available software one makes his own recording studio.
Findings have shown that lots of amateurs are running kiosk studios that are cheap but also lack professional background in music production.
However there are still a few professional who are trying to change the tide. Sherrif Karisa also called DJ Sherrif, the chief producer and founder of Rw Beat Productions, is one of the advocates.
He has 4 years of experience in music production and has so far worked with Nairobi’s Homeboyz studios also in the same town he has Deejayed in big discotheques such as Black-Diamond in Westland’s.
According to Karisa, he opened a studio in Nyamirambo’s avenue six to address the issue of poor quality music production by offering training to some of the local producers. He is currently looking for foreign investors to assist him expand the music academy.
However, even though training is fundamental for a good music producer, Karisa does not think that the situation in Rwanda is that alarming.
Having visited and worked for a few upcoming studios in the country while waiting for his studio to be fully equipped with professional machines, he says he would often spot talent in producers who work at the studio and lacked formal training in order to perfect in their work.
The Deejay also a producer says, his formed academy should not only teach producers about music, but also how they can collaborate with musicians to improve their songs.
For instance, he says that producers should be able to conduct post production sessions whereby, after mixing both the vocals and the beat, both the artist and producer evaluate the content of the song as well as the beat in order to develop the quality.
“Sometimes I advise the artist to change the lyrics so that the meaning of the song is clear,” Karisa remarks.
The music academy will not only focus on producers but also artists’ development. This also involves training the musician in ethical aspects that allows him to stand as a respected figure the society.
“It involves advising the musician on the type of dressing which is appealing to fans, as well as advising him on matters which arouse media interests since some questions might intimidate the artist to use vulgar language which might destroy their reputation,” says Dj Sherrif.
Other aspects he will deal with are stage performance, managing their work as well as how to develop professional business plans which facilitates marketing activities.
In the meantime, another problem that Karisa is trying to help a few producers is how to use recording machines since those who have hi-tech studio equipments often lack knowledge to use them effectively.
For instance, he points out that the compressor, which is a machine used in mastering the song, is often wrongly used to raise the volume, yet its main task is balancing the sounds which, if done well, raises the power of the sound.
While waiting for the academy to be established, Rw Beat founder advises artists to improve the quality of their songs by seeking input from professionals, for example by holding a “listening party” before releasing their albums.
The party would bring together producers, musicians, promoters as well as the press to comment on the songs before releasing them.
