As we climax on celebrating the women’s month, The City Review talked to Rebecca Ngonga who is one of the most established musicians thriving in stage performance and moving crowd. She recently signed to powerhouse entertainment and this is what she had to say:
Sarah: Briefly tell us about yourself
Rebecca: I am called Ngonga Rebecca commonly known as the sexy mama aka Rebecca Trey from Lainya County.
I am a South Sudanese female artist and I started my music career in 2014. I also contested for talent search that was by then organised by Viva cell and I became the second runner-up.
Sarah: Which artists inspired you while growing up?
Rebecca: There were many of them like Cindy, Sheebah and internationally, I love Rihanna and her sense of style and aggressiveness when it comes to performances.
Sarah: Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with and why?
Rebecca: Aaaah hmm… Yemi Alade from Nigeria. I love the craziness and hard work she puts into executing duties. So, yah with no hesitation I would choose her over any other person and am praying so hard that my management makes it happen.
Sarah: What is that thing that you learned earlier in your career that made you a better version today?
Rebecca: Vocally I have improved, I have been on and off the industry for some unavoidable circumstances and realized that my stage performance has greatly changed. Learning and knowing different game-changers in the industry like artists and producers.
Sarah: If you weren’t a musician today, what would you be doing?
Rebecca: I would be in the medical profession and also become a comedian because people say I am funny.
Sarah: We have heard artists giving testimonies about what their fans did to them. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done to you while on stage?
Rebecca: There are so many things that fans have done to me. I remember one day as I was busy doing what I know best, one came and hugged me so tight that we almost fell off the stage good enough it was a female hahaha…. if it was a man, it would be awkward.
Sarah: What’s that song that brought you to the limelight?
Rebecca: Ekikompola was my breakthrough song released in 2016. I remember doing it wholeheartedly that I had sleepless nights to make sure I give it my best.
Sarah: From all the songs you ever released, which song do you feel so much?
Rebecca: Sukun is my all-time favourite. All my songs are based on a true story though not necessarily me but what other people face.
Sarah: What are some of the challenges you have encountered as a female artist in the music fraternity?
Rebecca: There are so many challenges we face. Some people come to us in the name of promoting our music but things eventually change when they want favours from us in exchange for their service. Some even have the audacity of inviting you to their hotel rooms and once you refuse, it is the end of the deal. This normally kills talent and self-esteem.
Sarah: Was your breaking off music partly because of the exploitation in the music industry?
Rebecca: Not really, I have been concentrating on my studies. I graduated this year on the 5th of March 2022 in the department of sciences and public health. If I had not taken on that path, I would have tried journalism though there is no story worth your life.
Sarah: You recently got signed under Powerhouse Entertainment. Tell us about the extended play you are working on.
Rebecca: I have been inspired by the hardworking women out there. They hustle so hard for the family, I also stay with a strong woman and that’s my Aunty. In this EP, There are a couple of songs and among them is strong woman, survive and others that are ready to be served while chilled so watch the space
Sarah: As the first signee of powerhouse entertainment, what benefits are you expecting from the company in line with your career.
Rebecca: They value artists and take them as a priority, the source for the latest music. As an artist, I have enjoyed privileges like catering for my audios, videos and also giving allowances to make sure I look good and elegant. So, those are some of the things powerhouse entertainment does, and as an artist, you are expected to put in much effort.
Sarah: Do you sing based on what you go through or do you see stuff happening around and you sing?
Rebecca: Artists are voices for the voiceless. There’s a song I did specifically because I saw someone going through that particular situation.
Sarah: What makes Rebecca Trey different from other musicians?
Rebecca: Well, I am me I don’t fake it. I am real.
Sarah: Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician.
Rebecca: Recording sessions in the studio and performing for my fans are my favourite. People think musicians are immortal and they care less about our feelings not knowing that we are both human beings. We don’t enjoy our privacy simply because of paparazzi who don’t give us time to enjoy our comfort zones.
Sarah: Rebecca Trey recently graduated, how did you juggle the two because both need attention.
Rebecca: I specialised in public health and realised that it was not working out. I paused on music and concentrated on education until I graduated. Serving two masters at a go is never easy. Education is a priority to me even business people need an education.
Sarah: Despite the challenges faced as a female in the industry, what have you achieved in the name of being an entertainer in this country?
Rebecca: I have garnered much love from my fans, won awards for best stage performer and so much more. Female artists depend so much unlike Rebecca trey who is standing on her own based on her hard work, composing her lyrics and I am assuring the male artists that they should watch out for me because this time around I am hotter than fire.
Sarah: The last collaboration you did was with Ziza Bafana from Uganda and that was “Relax.” Are you looking at doing more within and outside the country?
Rebecca: I am not gonna say much on that but action speak louder than words because what I have in store for my precious fans needs no hurry but patience.
Sarah: What five songs in South Sudan do Rebecca Trey listen to apart from her music?
Rebecca: Tarang by J Yang, Jouzu Ana, Alabu by War child Bizzy, yiin thiik by Alijoma, mujasafat by Viper.
Sarah: As we come to the end of the women’s month, you are a female artist in the South Sudan male-dominated industry where many female artists are less privileged. How would you advise upcoming musicians with a passion for music?
Rebecca: It’s all about hard work and going the extra mile in proving people wrong by doing things out of your comfort zones.
Sarah: Any final remarks to your fans and artists
Rebecca: To my fellow artists, let’s work hard. People have undermined our country so much when it comes to music. We should do away with unnecessary beefing, hatred and embrace peace and love amongst ourselves. And to my fans, I was away for some time and I am back in full swing please expect a lot in store for you my diehard fans.