Top 10 Rwandan Artists to watch out for in 2021
Niyo Bosco
This 19-year-old musician broke through the music scene last year, with his single “Ubigenza ute”, loosely translated as “How do you do it?”. Extremely talented whilst visually impaired, due to an event in his early childhood. Aged 12 Niyo Bosco lost his sight after his parents were unable to attain malaria treatment due to financial constraints, eventually rendering him blind in the process. “The way I do music is normal like any other artiste because losing some parts of the body can’t be a problem as long as you have the brain to think and the heart to do something right,” is what the young ambitious artist shared in an interview with The New Times (Rwandan News Publication). What is astounding, is his profound ability to merge meaningful lyrics with entrancing soothing vocals, he draws inspiration from Stevie Wonder who is his favourite musician.
Nel Ngabo
Fast-rising artist at the fresh age of 22 years, this R&B singer started his musical endeavour just a year ago and has already a collection of 7 singles, plus an Album under his musical belt. Honestly, we are truly loving this work ethic, dedication to the craft and pushing quality music through at an effective rapid pace, keeping us listeners content before our next musical fix. His genre is reminiscent of a Zouk, french feel. Nel Ngabo is anticipated as one to watch out for with his strong amplifying vocals.
Mike Kayihura
Mike Kayihura has us all at the edge of our seats. Calling all Sabrina’s (title of the current most-streamed song) with the tropical rhythm entwined with those mystifying piano strings, has us yearning for a “Sabrina” and temporarily viewing our outlook through “Sabrina’s” perspective. Only difference we know, as the lyrics suggest, that we are equipped “to fly to the Moon”, in short, Mike encourages us to reach beyond our imagination. Aged 27, he started his musical journey early in choir aged 13, his talent may be attributed to the openness and support he has received from his parents. Eloquent vocals, heart pulling lyrics and tactful beats places this Rwandan artist at the top of the Soul Genre, although his style can also be described as Soul/RnB. Mike did touch on his writing in an interview with The New Times Rwanda, (Rwandan News Publication) “I try to release my emotions through writing. It makes me feel alive and fresh. It hurts when you cannot let out your pain.”
Alyn Sano
Jazz and Blues is a genre that is currently dominated by artist/songwriter, Alyn Sano. She is gifted at enticing us with strong vocals, carrying forth quirky expressions with insightful anecdotes, that are relatable to her listeners. “Joni”, her latest single, epitomised the journey from love-struck to simply rising head over heels in love with her “Joni”, pertaining to English and Kinyarwanda song lyrics. A warm personality and captivating smile have had most, swarming over their television sets, as she is one of the 12 finalists in The Voice Afrique Francophone competition in 2020. Due to the current Covid situation, the show has been placed on halt until further notice meaning she is yet to represent the land of a thousand hills in this anticipated competition.
Ariel Wayz
Jumping back into a contemporary blend of Afrobeats, Afro-neo soul to be exact. We have Ariel Wayz, the 20-year-old vocalist & guitar player, based in Kigali. She has us truly enticed with her soul dripping sound. A former member of the Symphony band, before embarking on her solo career, featuring in the competition The Voice Afrique Francophone. Ariel describes her relationship to music as follows “I love music, music is my life and I don’t see myself in another way.”, which may be also attributed to her mother’s musical background; her mother was a musician in orchestra Ingeri in the 90s. Her single “Nabwo Yantegereza” has had the epic dropped right on Christmas Eve, a blend of visual genius, and alluring sounds.
Ish Kevin
If Trap is more your flow this list has got you covered, Trap/Drill is Ish Kevin’s forte. The 23-year-old is a trailblazer making his way in the Rwandan music scene since 2019, dropping his first body of work “Waki Waki”. To be specific he is truly eloquent in “Trappish music” as he describes his own style of music. Loved for his dapper flow combined with exhilarating lyrics, cleverly assembled in titles such as “Vayo” and “Abamikazi” meaning Women. “Abamikazi” highlights the women in the Trap scene with an all-women feature Ririmba, Last Queen, Aullahoff & KMK, Ish Kevin uplifting the Drill Queens in the game as his lyrics imply “abamikazi muri business”. Trap enthusiast will enjoy this alongside “Toto Mtosso” his latest single, released in late 2020 has truly got a wavy vibe, which you can cruise to, alternatively add this “Trappish” gem to your workout playlist.
Sogokuru aka Sogokxru
This artist’s name implies that he is a grandfather. Sogokuru a Rwandan/Burundian Artist who is based in Belgium graces our ears with the blend of traditional and nuanced contemporary sounds. This fusion is truly exquisite and speaks to what we, here on Sounds of Africa are all about. When asked about his artist name Sogokuru stated that “The story behind the name is particular… I didn’t choose it. I made this song back in 2014 and the title was Sogokuru, then all of a sudden my peers started calling me that and it stuck”. He is not only wise in name but also his versatile style, keeps us, listeners, anticipating the unusual. Sogokuru stated profoundly “I want my listeners to be inspired to go and do something good for themselves and their community”. His song titled “Mukobua” celebrates the assets of his female pursuit, lyrics conveyed alongside a beat that you can not remain still to whilst listening. “Marijoanna” has a reminiscent sound, the reflective puff puff pass trumpets, both songs are from his latest album Kvzmvn by Sogokur x Yannick MYK.
Bruce Melodie
The 28-year-old Musician/Song-writer and founder & C.E.O. of his own record label called Igitangaza Music Label. In 2017 he was amongst the performing acts on Coke Africa Studio, in which he covered Khaligraph’s “Yego” showing his hip-hop skills and vocal melodic abilities. The performance was followed by a song performance from Bruce Melodie, Khaligraph and Dj Maphorisa, titled “Don’t Know”. Bruce Melodie has won numerous Salax Awards, HiPipo Awards not to mention 2018 PGGS8 in the category of “Best Artist”, in addition to 2019 Kiss Summer Awards winning “Best Summer Artist” his accolades definitely stand firm. Musically he has us enchanted with “Katerina” in which he pours his emotions out whilst in the chase, for his new lover Katarina. His single “Saa Moya 7:00” translates to 7 pm in which he is setting his intentions for the rendezvous with his lover.
Davis D
Musical talent with his own twist on style and presence in the Rwandan music scene. Davis D has trail blazed through the radio waves, charts and television sets. The 27-year old’s recent single ” Ifarsi” denoting his intimate innuendo as a “horse”, in the song he encourages the female not to be afraid and to sit on the horse. The chorus creatively repeats stating “stay on the horse”. To be honest what upscales this song is not so much the songtext as are the instrumentals, compelling us to shake a limb or two. Davis D started doing music in early 2010 and has said that he prefers releasing quality over quantity. The artist is managed by his father Bukuru, who also played a vital role in Davis D love for music, as both his parents were devoted musicians in the church. His most streamed song to date is still “Dede” the beat is an Afro-fusion in which he sings along in English and Kinyarwanda.
Igor Mabano
Rising Artist signed under Kina Music Label has released his debut album May 2020 titled “Urakunzwe”, meaning “You are loved”. Carrying a special combo set under his musical belt, including singer, producer, songwriter and the ability to play the drums and guitar, may exemplify his unique musical signature. In 2013 he earned himself a three-year scholarship to study music at Nyundo School of Music in Rwanda, followed by an international venture across the globe to Canada in 2015 to intern with Sebeya Band. “Gake” is his currently most-streamed song, listening to “Gake” you will be unable to physically resist doing that one, two-step whilst the waist sets itself into a fluid motion. His single “Back” will have you engulfed in your feelings, here he is reflecting upon a love lost, his lyrics often consist of English & Kinyarwandan song text.
Check out some of these artists on the Official Rwanda Hub Playlist on Spotify below, happy streaming.
Lastly, stay up to date with all you need to know about African music at SOA, right here.
Top 10 Rwandan Artists to watch out for in 2021
