Ariel Wayz, the Rwandan star who likes taking risks
0
0
0
0
Rwandan singer Ariel Wayz left Symphony Band band in 2020 and went soloImage caption: Rwandan singer Ariel Wayz left Symphony Band band in 2020 and went solo
Ariel Wayz is an unusual young woman, and a courageous and determined one. The musician has faced a lot of criticism for how she looks.
Her response may be surprising: she decided to pose for the cover of her new EP Love and Lust topless except for a couple of strategically placed seashells.
This is a woman more comfortable in baggy trousers and a denim jacket, but she says she wanted to face her critics head on – and not give in to fear or a feeling that she should hide her body or be ashamed of herself:
Quote Message: Lots of people told me to go to the gym and all that, but I’ve never been so happy about doing anything because it made me feel very strong.
Lots of people told me to go to the gym and all that, but I’ve never been so happy about doing anything because it made me feel very strong.
Quote Message: The fact that my fans really didn’t get why I did it shows that there’s really a very long way to go for us as women.”
The fact that my fans really didn’t get why I did it shows that there’s really a very long way to go for us as women.”
Wayz has achieved a lot of success since she went solo in 2020, despite her willingness to challenge her fans.
She is a graduate of Rwanda’s Nyundo School of Art and Music, set up in 2014 and funded by the government.
Her musical career began as lead singer of the Symphony Band, a group of fellow Nyundo graduates that toured Rwanda mainly playing cover versions of popular songs.
She left the band because she wanted to push herself creatively, making her own songs and exploring a wide range of musical genres:
Quote Message: The band holds a special place in my heart, but I feel very happy to have chosen to do my solo career, because it was also me taking the risk of getting out of my comfort [zone].
The band holds a special place in my heart, but I feel very happy to have chosen to do my solo career, because it was also me taking the risk of getting out of my comfort [zone].
Quote Message: There was the band leader looking for gigs, I could pay my rent, but I felt I wasn’t contributing enough.”
There was the band leader looking for gigs, I could pay my rent, but I felt I wasn’t contributing enough.”
Luckily the risk paid off financially as well as artistically:
Quote Message: I can afford everything I want, I am stable now.”
I can afford everything I want, I am stable now.”
And the risk-taking continues. Wayz’s latest video is brave – especially in the African context.
To the soundtrack of her love song 10 Days, she acts out a romantic relationship with another woman:
Quote Message: That was one of the ways that I use to talk to my people, and to embrace the LGBT community – because I am not against it, I am very open.
That was one of the ways that I use to talk to my people, and to embrace the LGBT community – because I am not against it, I am very open.
Quote Message: People around here didn’t get it well – some did, some didn’t, but I choose to focus on the ones who understand the reason why I did it.”
People around here didn’t get it well – some did, some didn’t, but I choose to focus on the ones who understand the reason why I did it.”
My guess is that Ariel Wayz’s musical talent will prevail, and that many fans will continue to embrace her.
BBC
About The Author
