King James (singer)

King James, born James Ruhumuriza,[1] is a Rwandan singer and performer of R&B and Afrobeat music. He is known for his energetic and entertaining live performances.[2]

King James
Background information
Birth nameJames Ruhumuriza
Born1990 (age 30–31)
Rwanda , Kigali
GenresHip-Hop/Rap . R&B . Afrobeats
Occupation(s)Singer
InstrumentsVocals
Years active2006–present
LabelsBeyond Record Music
Associated actsThe Ben, Riderman (rapper)
Websitehttps://famemix.com/artist/9/king-james

History

Early years

Ruhumuriza was born in 1990 in CHK (Centre Hospitalier de Kigali), Kigali city, Rwanda, the sixth of seven children in a Seventh-day Adventist family. He completed his secondary studies at the French-language Ecole APE Rugunga, and as of 2013 is enrolled at Mount Kenya University where he got a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. As a child he aspired to become a professional football player. He was later exposed to the songs of American R&B artist Brandy and became inspired to begin composing and performing music.[3]

Musical career

The musical career of King James was launched in 2006 with the release of a single that met with little success. He opened shows for more popular artists for the next several years. The mid-2009 release of his single "Intinyi" attracted critical acclaim and launched his solo career. By the end of 2010, King James had firmly established his popularity as a leading R&B artist, competing for market dominance against Rwandan artists Tom Close, Meddy and The Ben.[2]

The departure of Meddy and The Ben to the United States provided King James with greater exposure and his popularity grew further. He signed to the label Kina Music and released his debut album, Umugisha, in 2011, followed in 2012 by a second album entitled Umuvandimwe. After a temporary lag in popularity in late 2011, the artist enjoyed a resurgence of fame following the release of two widely successful singles, "Ndakwizera" and "Buhoro Buhoro".[2] Currently, his singles "Yantumye", "Ndagukunda", "Naramukundaga" are the most successful songs in the country.

In August 2016, he released his new single "The girl is mine " with the vincentian soca artist Kevin Lyttle which is among the most trending hits in the region.

Awards

King James was voted Artist of the Year in the 2011 Salax Awards, having previously won the award in the category of Best R&B Artist. In 2012, he won first place in the Primus Guma Guma Super Star annual talent competition.[2] King James from 2013 is one of the Rwandan acts to perform at the Rwanda Day held in London, Netherlands, Atlanta and the latest was in San Francisco last September 2016.[1] In addition to touring widely in Rwanda and the countries of the East African Community, he has performed in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium.[4]

Personal life and relationships

His personal life has been a subject of media attention. Although a perfectionist in the recording studio, in social settings he is known as a simple, unpretentious and friendly person who is well liked within the industry and in the media. He refuses to drink or smoke and enjoys reading books on a variety of topics.[2]

Other activities

In 2013 he established the King James Foundation, which aims to improve quality of life for the most vulnerable in Rwandan society.[5] He has declared an interest in providing financial support and recording studio access to fledgling Rwandan artists.[2] He is one of the best Rwandan artists who performed in different political events across the world.

business career

king James is running as a CEO of big brand supermarket in Kigali called Mango supermarket

References
  1. Kimenyi, Bryan (15 May 2013). "Top artistes for Rwanda Day in London". The New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  2. Munyaneza, Emma (21 August 2012). "Up close with King James, Rwanda's king of R&B". The Independent. Uganda. Archived from the original on 13 January 2015. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  3. "Head to Head: King James Vs Jay Polly". The New Times. Rwanda. 2 March 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  4. "Rwanda : King James jets off to Europe for the first time". RwandaShow. Rwanda. 14 October 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  5. "I would never quit music -King James". Progress Rwanda. Rwanda. 28 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
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