An Inspirational story of ‘Artist, Engineer and Producer Michael M Jeni’

Journalist- Hello !!! How are you ? 

“Hello, I’m doing well! Thank you for having me!” 

Journalist-Please, Introduce yourself? “Where should I start?

I’m Michael M Jeni, a “AfroPop/AfroBeat artist based in Iowa born in Idaho, umm my favorite color is red, and music is my passion. I’m always nervous doing these interviews.”

Journalist-What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

“Music has always been apart of my life since birth. I start and end my day with music everyday. My love for music came at a the age of 3 if I’m correct. My parents used to tell me stories that I would imitate dance moves, and singing from artists like Michael Jackson, Koffi Olomide, and that’s where it all started. Even going through elementary to high school I played the violin, I was in honors choir, and was able to learn music theory which helps with everything I do music wise today. Fast forward to 2015 I lost my mother to cancer, I had to find different ways to channel emotions that I was feeling so I turned to writing music, and here we are today. Overtime hearing peoples reactions about my music, and how it helped them through a situation, or how it inspires them, that’s what let me know I’ve chosen the right path, no matter how long it takes. Music is my outlet to express myself and things I go through, if I didn’t have music, I honestly wouldn’t be here and that’s a fact”

Journalist-Tell us about your new single. And what’s the story behind it?

“My latest single “Tokooos II” (Good Vibes II) was inspired by one of my idols Fally Ipupa, he’s an African artist from Congo! His music amongst others like Koffi Olomide, Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, Anita Baker, Eric Bellinger, and others inspires the music I make today. This particular single gives a summer vibe, it’s uptempo, groovy, makes you want to dance a bit. This song tells a story about wanting to vibe with someone again that you know or have history with, that one person that makes you feel a certain way. You know? Someone that you truly vibe with. When you hear this song it should put a smile on your face”

Journalist-What makes your music unique?

“My style of music is different, as mentioned before, my style is “AfroPop/AfroBeat, in Iowa, that is rare, my sound is rare and different, which I don’t mind, it’s me. I have to do what’s authentic and raw, and my African Rwandan heritage is me, minus the politics and issues in Rwanda. Growing up I was afraid to let my peers and others know was African, I was bullied because of it, today I have a greater appreciation and understanding of my culture.

Journalist- What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

“Trust yourself and the process. Always remain humble, and be patient. Timing is everything, don’t rush your art for anybody, money is NEVER the end goal. You’ll feel every emotion doing this, you’ll have days where you get no sleep, you’ll have days where you cry, your angry, happy, you’ll even have days where your alone, you feel like no one understands you or what your trying to accomplish, but it’s all a balance, always remember there’s a purpose why your doing music, more importantly, never give up, finish the race strong.”

Journalist-And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

One dream collaboration would be with Fally Ipupa, his artistry, and how he approaches his craft is unique! He practices the method of pushing yourself beyond your limits and challenging yourself. That’s inspirational.

Journalist-Any upcoming projects?

“Right now we’re about to begin a new era. In a Couple months the music video for “Tokooos II” (Good Vibes II) will be released and directly after that, the “King” Era starts…. “King” is the title of my new EP and the first single from my new EP is titled “C’est Moi” (It’s me). I named my EP “King” because of what my middle and last name means, no cocky shit just to be clear, but definitely expect my new single very soon!

Journalist-How our Readers contact with you?

“Definetly follow me on all social media platforms even TIKTOK @michaelmjeni