Producer Chrisy Neat [Nzobidahanda] became known for producing songs in Riderman’s studio, Ibisumizi, and for remaking songs of traditional artists who performed in the Rwandan cultural music genre.
This young woman, among the few who overcame fear and ventured into professional music production, grew up hearing about art but never thought she would take it on as a career.
In 2016, Chrisy Neat went to study music at the Nyundo School of Music, where she focused on music production and voice training. This paid off, and she gained the skills that helped her enter the market.
However, this career, which is not common for women, did not welcome her easily. Many discouraged her, telling her not to waste her time in music production, claiming that, as a woman, she wouldn’t last long in the field since no artist would accept to work with her.
Chrisy Neat did not give up. In fact, when she first started producing songs, she had to pay various studios without earning anything or becoming known.
It wasn’t long before rapper Riderman appreciated her talent and gave her a chance at Ibisumizi studio to nurture her skills.
She says, “Riderman played a big role in my career because he believed in me and gave me a place to work during tough times. At other studios, I had to pay monthly fees, even when I wasn’t earning anything, but he trusted me.”
Nzobidahanda has worked on many popular Rwandan songs, such as Nyegamo ya Nyagasani by Riderman, Victorious by Alpha Rwirangira, and the recently released album My Love by Yago, among others.
However, she mentions that many things could have discouraged her in this career, including investing money without getting returns, but she is encouraged by the love she receives from music fans.
In the early stages of her career, she was disheartened by the fact that some people she produced songs for never released them simply because they were not produced by well-known people.
Still, she hopes “to go as far as possible and make the country known through my work.”
She advises young people to take advantage of the opportunities they are given, but also to learn to overcome challenges that may arise so they can reach their goals.
She says, “The advice I would give the youth is not to give up and to keep pushing because that’s what helped me. If you go somewhere and doors are closed on you, let that motivate you instead of discouraging you. Sometimes doors are shut because you are not yet at the right level, so you need to put more effort into learning and working hard, so that even those who don’t like you will need you for your expertise.”
Producer Chrisy Neat Nzobidahanda is known for songs like Urukundo, Urungano, Umumararungu, Ndakwihaye, and many others.
