Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA, whose stage name is KEYS, was born in 2000 in Buyenzi quarter of Bujumbura. He was raised in Burundi before he moved to Finland in 2016. He is a rapper, singer, songwriter, stylist, and executive producer. He owns a Label and brand called KEYS GOT THE KEYS. He was reported as a great lyricist, ambitious, influencer and best designer in the 2019-2020 The Future Magazine issue. Earlier in the year, he released his song “Pilluralli” which is a Club banger. On 15th June 2020, he has finally released his first Mix tape entitled “Five Fingers.” His songs are made of a mix of Hip-hop and some Trap. Below is our full interview with him
As Burundian artists, they have to travel as much as they can, learn all possible languages. They have also the duty of including some Burundian cultural music flavor in their songs in order to be unique and so they can be noticeable on the global music scene
Akeza.net: Who is Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA?
Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA: My name is Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA. I was born on January 15, 2000 in Buyenzi, Bujumbura. In 2016, I moved to Finland. My father is a Burundian and my mother a Tanzanian. I am a rapper, singer, actor, executive producer, songwriter and stylist. I own a Label and brand called KEYS GOT THE KEYS. I currently live in Helsinki, Finland. I will be graduating in (Marketing) International Business at the University of applied sciences in LAB, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Back in the days, I’ve always loved rapping from a very young age. We’ve had some competitions with Dogo A, before he became a famous young artist in Burundi. It was in 2007. I was very inspired by Buja Flavor, Bongo flavor, French music and American music. This enabled me to become a street performer, freestyling on the lakeside of Tanganyika. I am glad that by now I am able to produce my own concerts.
Mostly, my songs are made of a mixture of hip-hop and little bit of trap. My first song was released in 2017. I’m excited to see what is coming next. I have a hope that I will be a big artist in a couple years.
Akeza.net: What is the message in your songs?
Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA: Actually, I talk a lot about myself, what I face in my life for I believe I am not the only one who’s facing and overcoming struggle, the hardness of life. In this regard, I’ve just released a new Mix tape of 5 songs called “Five Fingers” that extends around the behavior of young generations, burliness and many more topics that I stand for.
Akeza.net: When was your last time in Burundi?
For me, visiting Burundi means going back to my dad’s house, I am always welcome. I really loved meeting my family members, relatives, and friends.
Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA: The last time I was in Burundi was in 2016, and I can’t wait to come back again and again. For me, visiting Burundi means going back to my dad’s house, I am always welcome. I really loved meeting my family members, relatives, and friends. I enjoyed going to the Lake Tanganyika’s beach and visiting the country sides, climbing mountains, spending time in those attractive places in Burundi.
Akeza.net: What do you think would be the key to achieving their goals for young singers?
Moussa Keys TANGANYIKA: Hard work! Get rid of wasting time on “ligala” (small gang), to educate themselves and find opportunities, visit places in and out Burundi. As Burundian artists, they have to travel as much as they can, learn all possible languages. They have also the duty of including some Burundian cultural music flavor in their songs in order to be unique and so they can be noticeable on the global music scene. I would finally urge them to study other countries’ music industries.
Interview by Melchisédeck BOSHIRWA
