Rita Ange Kagaju has always been drawn to the essence of love. It’s a recurring theme in her life and her music, despite never having experienced romantic love herself. The 23-year-old Rwandan singer-songwriter reflects deeply on love’s meaning, finding its traces everywhere—from family, friends, and life itself.
“Ever since I was young, the concept of love has always fascinated me,” Kagaju shares. “I’ve never been in a romantic relationship, but love songs seem to flow naturally whenever I pick up my guitar.”
Her musical journey began in 2017, when she first stepped into the spotlight during “I’m the Future,” a local talent search competition. It was her initial taste of recognition, a moment that set her on the path of solo artistry. By 2021, she released her first album, Sweet Thunder, under Ida Records. Yet, just as her music career was taking off, life intervened.
Kagaju paused her music in 2021 to pursue her studies in the United States. Now, with three degrees in Sociology, Environmental Studies, and Global French Studies under her belt, she’s reconnecting with her passion for music. Her latest EP, Volume, is making waves across digital platforms, drawing fans back to her signature sound.
The Tug of War Between Music and Education
For Kagaju, balancing her education and music career has been a challenge—a constant push and pull between her passion and the practicalities of life.
“It hasn’t been easy,” she admits. “I’ve always had to split my focus between my love for music and the need to secure a stable future through education. It’s like living two lives, both important, but neither one able to take full precedence.”
Despite the struggle, Kagaju remains committed to her craft. “It hasn’t worked out perfectly so far, but I won’t stop trying,” she says, her determination clear. “I’m already working on my second album, and I’m excited to share more of my music with the world.”
Love and Life as Eternal Muses
“Every time I start writing, it’s about love. I guess it’s because I find love so special, even though romantic love is something I haven’t experienced personally.”
Rita Ange
When asked how her songs come to life, Kagaju laughs and admits her process is anything but structured. “I don’t really have a process,” she says. “Music finds me in the most random places—while I’m in the shower, during my hair routine, or even in the middle of a class. My phone is filled with melodies and lyrics I jot down on the fly.”
Her guitar, a constant companion, brings those melodies to life. And though her songs are often about love, she finds it amusing that the subject keeps resurfacing. “It’s strange,” she says. “Every time I start writing, it’s about love. I guess it’s because I find love so special, even though romantic love is something I haven’t experienced personally.”
To Kagaju, love transcends romance. It’s a universal experience, and she’s fascinated by how it weaves through different relationships—family, friendship, and humanity itself.
Kagaju has a positive outlook on the future of Rwandan music, describing it as an industry brimming with potential. For her, unity is key to the industry’s continued growth.
“There’s so much potential in Rwanda’s music scene,” she says. “It’s a young industry, and the best way to nurture that potential is by supporting each other. Competing only holds us back, but collaboration can build something really strong.”
Kagaju is inspired by rising talents like Impakanizi, whose voice she describes as “a hug from home,” and by the professionalism of producers like Eric Aimé Nsengumuremyi (Flyest). “We need more people like them in the industry—people with talent, professionalism, and kindness,” she emphasizes.
Growth Away from Home
“The hardest part has been staying connected to my craft while living abroad,”
Kagaju’s time in the U.S. has been a double-edged sword. While it allowed her to further her education and gain new perspectives, it also distanced her from her music and her audience back home.
“The hardest part has been staying connected to my craft while living abroad,” she reflects. “Being so far away can make it tough to be consistent in creating and sharing my music.”
But with distance comes growth. “Living abroad gave me the space to discover who I am outside of the identities I had back home. I’ve grown so much—both personally and artistically. Experiencing different cultures has broadened my perspective in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”
Looking Ahead: Dreams and Determination
As Kagaju looks toward the future, she’s more determined than ever to find balance between her education and music. With countless songs stored on her phone, she’s eager to share them with the world.
“I have so many songs just waiting to be heard,” she says, laughing. “I’m praying for the time and space to deliver them soon. I feel really optimistic about my next album.”
Her vision for the Rwandan music industry is equally hopeful. “I want to see the industry built on collaboration and respect,” she says. “We have so much talent, and if we work together, we can create something amazing.”
Having weathered the challenges of balancing her studies and her art, Rita Ange Kagaju is ready to fully embrace her music once again. As her EP Volume gains traction, fans are eager to see where her journey takes her next. And with her undeniable talent and unwavering spirit, the world is ready to listen.
