In the town of Nyamata, Bugesera District — far from the bustling noise of Kigali’s mainstream entertainment scene — a quiet musical revolution is taking place. Inside a modest studio near the Nyamata Ville Cell office, two brothers have spent the past six years laying the groundwork for what may become one of Rwanda’s most respected music institutions. This is the story of Soul Music Studio, founded by Elie Nsengimana (Elie Pro) and his twin brother Elysé Nsabimana — producers, educators, and visionaries shaping music with integrity.
A Studio Born from a Shared Passion
Founded in late 2019, Soul Music Studio didn’t start with
big money, advanced gear, or a famous client list. It began with passion,
experience, and a shared love for sound. Elie and Elysé had been immersed in
music since childhood, playing piano and guitar in church. This background not
only shaped their musical taste but also gave them a strong command of live
instrumentation, something that still defines their sound today.
“I started learning piano and guitar in 2008,” says Elie
Pro, “and by 2009, I was already playing for small church events. At first, it
wasn’t about making money. It was just what we loved to do.”
This early experience became the foundation of their
studio work. Today, every song produced at Soul Music Studio carries an
intentional blend of technical discipline and emotional depth — a result of the
brothers’ live music roots and attention to detail.
Music Production Rooted in Reality
Since its launch, Soul Music Studio has produced an
estimated 50 to 100 songs, cutting across gospel, secular, choir, and solo
artist projects. The studio has become known for its musical richness, largely
due to the brothers' ability to arrange songs in a way that respects both
melody and message.
However, success hasn’t come without
challenges.
“One of the hardest parts of this work is dealing with
artists who don’t follow through,” Elie admits. “Some promise to pay but
disappear after the song is delivered. Others say the song isn’t good — only to
release it later on YouTube without paying.”
Such experiences have shaped the studio’s business
philosophy. While maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment, Soul
Music Studio now sets clear expectations for clients regarding payment, timeline,
and ownership.
“We don’t hold grudges,” Elie says. “But we’ve learned to
protect our work and be cautious without losing our values.”
Gospel vs. Secular: What Makes the
Difference?
Though they produce both gospel and secular music, the
brothers remain rooted in spiritual sound. Elie notes that gospel music often
requires deeper musical knowledge.
“Gospel songs tend to have more complex arrangements,” he
explains. “The chords are layered, the melodies are detailed, and the message
has to be clear. It’s harder, but it’s also more fulfilling.”
Still, the studio doesn’t discriminate based on genre.
Whether an artist walks in with a church hymn or a dancehall beat, they receive
the same level of attention, professionalism, and respect.
Building Beyond Production: A Full-Fledged
Music School
What makes Soul Music Studio stand out isn’t just the
songs it produces — it’s the investment in music education.
Recognizing a gap in accessible music training,
especially in rural districts, the brothers launched a music school within the
studio. Open to children, teenagers, and adults, the program offers lessons in:
- Piano
- Drums
- Guitar
- Vocal coaching
- Music production
They also provide practice space for choirs and artists,
equipped with the necessary instruments.
“Music opens up the mind,” Elie says. “We’ve seen
students improve in school, become more confident, and even develop new career
paths. It’s more than a hobby — it’s an education.”
Parents are encouraged to enroll their children during
holidays or after-school sessions, and many adults who once dreamed of learning
an instrument have found encouragement at the studio.
Preparing for Global Collaboration
Looking ahead, Soul Music Studio is preparing for a new
chapter — one that connects it to the wider African music industry and beyond.
Elie and Elysé hope to upgrade their studio equipment, refine their brand
visibility, and form collaborations with artists across borders.
“We’d love to work with artists like Israel Mbonyi or Bruce
Melodie,” Elie says. “Not just because they’re famous, but because their styles
match what we value — musicality and message.”
The brothers believe that even though they are based
outside Rwanda’s capital, the quality of their work speaks for itself.
A Studio with Values
At its core, Soul Music Studio is a values-driven space.
Clients are treated with dignity, the process is collaborative, and education
is just as important as production. It’s a place where art and responsibility
meet.
Their slogan might as well be: “Clients are Kings and
Queens” — because that’s how they operate.
Visit or Contact Soul Music Studio
Location:
Nyamata, Bugesera
District — near the Nyamata Ville Cell office. Look for the large signboard
reading Soul’s Music Studio.
Contact:
+250 788 500 483
+250 788 981 045
YouTube:
SOUL TV STUDIO
Whether you're a parent looking to invest in your child's
talent, a young artist searching for direction, or an established performer in
need of grounded collaboration — Soul Music Studio offers something rare in
today’s industry: a commitment to growth, integrity, and real sound.
From Nyamata to the world, they are building more than just music — they are building legacy.