Within the realm of the creative sector, professionals decide on their career paths for a range of motivations. For emerging artist Kaleb Ka...
Within the realm of the creative sector, professionals decide on their career paths for a range of motivations.
For emerging artist Kaleb Kayumba, also known as Diez Dola, music was more than a pastime—it was an imperative, a flame he couldn't suppress.
He intentionally left school to enroll in a brief music program, believing that his aspirations and the right moment were perfectly matched with his destiny. Now, that courageous step is yielding results.
The musician and composer, already well-known thanks to popular songs such as "Zangalewa," "Ratata," "Repete," "Sad Generation," and more, is one of Rwanda's most exciting talents, bringing new energy, bold imagination, and a unique style that's enhancing the nation's expanding music scene.
In an interview with The New Times, the 21-year-old mentioned that he left the conventional classroom well before many others considered alternative paths.
In 2019, he left school and enrolled in a brief music program at the International Music School for a period of one year. He focused on audio production as he aimed for a professional career rather than creating average music. Acquiring technical abilities and expanding his musical understanding was his main goal, he mentioned.
Similar to many others, the Afrobeat artist shared that, following his graduation in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, his aspirations encountered obstacles. He felt caught between persuasion and drive. Nevertheless, he was able to launch his first song, "Shake," with Unlimited Records. He refers to it as the link between his vision and what he could offer at that moment.
"It provided me with valuable feedback that kept me concentrated even though things started off uncertain," he said. "Later, I released 'Monalisa' and 'Ndagushaka'. Both tracks were eventually taken down from my platforms as I aimed to create more refined music," he added.
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Composition, a courageous base of his professional journey
Ten Dola stated that he is primarily a songwriter, a talent that has enabled him to obtain some of the money used to produce his own music. He has even sold songs to producers in return for them covering the production costs of certain tracks.
"Writing songs is in my blood. It happens effortlessly, and in turn, it helps me on my musical path. That's how I've been able to advance my career while learning to be independent," he said.
He has been involved in numerous popular tracks including "Sambolera," "Golo," "Mami," "Jugumila," and more.
Walking the talk
In 2024, Diez Dola released "Zangalewa," a unique term he explains represents "hurried, swift actions, performing tasks at a quicker pace."
The track represented a significant milestone, enabling him to establish a solid position in the music industry. From that point on, he has been recognized as a rising talent among the next wave of talented artists, one anticipated to compete with others of his level.
"The track primarily addresses the youth and the present-day lifestyle in Kigali, where everyone is occupied and tasks must be completed swiftly. There's no time to squander. Although Generation Z may lead an intense life, we must not lose our concentration," said the singer, adding that young people stay committed to life and are highly creative.
Ten Dola remembers how many people confused his lively energy with the use of performance-enhancing drugs, as some online users believed his character matched that stereotype.
He explained that this is simply a misunderstanding with no basis in reality. Rather, it is an intense enthusiasm that fuels his professional journey and keeps him concentrated on achieving excellence amidst competition.
"I don't take any drugs. I create music because of my passion. Consider someone who loves music but doesn't pursue it, versus someone chasing their dream—it's completely different. My energy is genuine, and it will always be intense and one-of-a-kind," he stated.
"I dedicate a significant amount of time to writing music. Thus far, I have already created two albums and two EPs containing 12 and 7 tracks each. They are set to be released soon, and nothing comes easily. It's the outcome of hard work and long nights without sleep," he added.
Shows and the mysteries behind the curtain
In that context, he mentioned that his first significant stage performance took place during theTrace Awards and Festival took place in Kigali, Rwanda, during October 2023..
Rapper Ish Kevin granted him a few minutes on the stage, an opportunity he valued highly. The "What If" singer made the moment meaningful, and many people took notice of the emerging artist from that performance.
I'm very grateful to Ish Kevin. He did it without any warning. Such an act is exactly what we need to encourage one another," he said. "Since then, I've received several chances to perform on stage, and every time I go up there, I take it seriously. I truly enjoy performing.
He mentioned that although some established artists in the field acknowledge the work of emerging musicians, few take an active role in fostering unity and offering guidance, which is essential for closing the divide between the new and old generations in the industry.
"We gain knowledge from their errors and the positive actions they've taken. It's our responsibility to choose what is important. There is still much to accomplish and safeguard," he stated.
Born in the Kicukiro District in 2004, the singer is currently operating on his own with a small, tightly-knit group. He is scheduled to unveil a joint project with Shemi later this month and continues to be committed to maintaining his presence, stating that music is his passion and that giving up is not part of his future.
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