TOP 10 Rwandan Artists under 25 – Taking the music scene by storm.
Being young has been proven that it is a sign of power and ability to change things and to pursue one’s dreams, that hunger in the belly is rife. In Rwanda, there are numerous Artists aged under 25 that are setting the music scene alight with their innovative flows, slick lyrics and newly created movements. Incredible job, propelling the Rwandan music industry forward, assuring a bright future for those to follow by continuing to keep Rwanda in conversations, the industry had a changeover and may be in better hands, some may say.
Look at the Top 10 Rwandan Artists aged under 25, who are taking the music scene by storm – DON’T BE SHY, COMMENT BELOW WHO YOUR NO.1 IS:
10. BABO
The Germany based artist signed with 1K Entertainment, having demonstrated her versatility in delivering her lyrics using a multi-lingual palate. In ‘Go Low’ which features The Ben she states ‘baby schau mich doch mal an, zeig mir…’ translation from german “baby, look at me and show me…” listeners get to receive a novice variety as in her recent singles ‘On you’ & ‘I am in love. Teta Barbara, who recently celebrated her 20th Birthday is a prospect for the music scene in after all 1K Entertainment is known to produce class artistry, remember Amalon.
9. KENNY K SHOT
Serving us in the drill genre Kenny Rulisa, a rapidly uprising artist who has to date, given us two albums titled ‘Drill Season’ and ‘Inception’. Previously he has released songs in English but when he switched it up to Kinyarwanda, he stamped himself not an English rapper yet a versatile artist. He took part in the music competition, ‘The next Popstar’, Kenny, now age 21 has collaborated with artists like Ish Kevin, on his recent single ‘Bro Code’ which also features Ririmba & Og2tone, featured on Dj Pyfo’s ‘Kantona’ track which was recently released.
8. KENNY SOL
RUSANGANWA Norbert who is a former member of Igitangaza music record label has been signing for a while. The 24-year-old is an upcoming artist who produced great tracks like ‘Agafire’ when that beat drop, which is similar to his feature on Bruce Melodie’s ‘Ikinyafu’. Kenny Sol to be part of the trio Yemba Voice, who released songs like ‘turakundana’ which translated “we love each other”, after separation he took a new path where he met Bruce Melodie who took him under his wing
7. KEVIN KADE
Here we have Best New Summer Artist 2020 of KISS SUMMER AWARDS. NGABO Richard Kevin has churned out heated tracks such as ‘K.O’, ‘Like you’ featuring Seyn, Davis D and ‘Ibara’ features the infamous Uncle Austin. This 21-year-old artist has graduated in Music from Nyundo Music School, we await to see his next move in the industry.
6. KIVUMBI KING
This poetic rapper gains a fan whenever he is played. KIVUMBI King aged 23 has dropped a new album just last month 30th July 2021, D.I.D which stands for Dissociative Identity Disorder.
‘Away’ is by far such as melodic enchantment, encapsulating summer on the whole track, from adventure to chilled moments at a beach setting. ‘Maso y’inyana’, ‘Fever’, ‘Madam’ and ‘Hejuru, are some of his most circulated songs, a true gift when he lays his bilingual (English & Kinyarwanda), poetic delivery on tracks which we experienced on ‘Mapyisi’, definitely shuffling up the music deck with his unique musical signature.
5. ISH KEVIN
Runner up on the talent competition Next Popstar Rwanda Ishimwe Semana Kevin aged 24 from the Kigali district Nyamirambo the rapper, coined creator of the Trappish Movement a sub to Kinyatrap. Clearly dominating the genre Kinyatrap, Drill and Trap, well-replayed songs include ‘Amakosi’ which translates “training” and talks about him navigating through this new space. ‘No cap’ is self-explanatory ‘Vayo’ “Get away from there”, Ish Kevin is has a unique style which includes frequently changing the colour of his hair with recently stepping out with light green hair.
4. NIYO BOSCO
An artist with a voice that leaves the listener speechless and insightful lyrics that make you think twice, is Niyokwizerwa Bosco forte. Often referred to as a child prodigy who evolved into the most creative musician in Rwanda. This 21-year-old artist lost his sight aged 12 due to malaria, irrespective this did not deter him from pursuing his passion and fulfilling his dream of becoming a musician. Did we mention he also taught himself to play the guitar after losing his sight?
Under his musical belt he has released songs like ‘Piyapuresha’ which is very recent, ‘Seka’, meaning “Smile” ‘Ubigenza ute’ means “How do you do it”, ‘Ibanga’ which means ‘Secret’, warning about openly discussing your wins, those you may call friends may not have your best interest at heart. His songs are always reflective and have a positive effect on us listeners, encouraging to take inventory of ourselves.
3. ARIEL WAYZ
The former symphony band member Ariel Uwayezu who is aged 19 is a rapidly rising artist at top speed, and it’s refreshing to see a female artist progressing at such a pace. Her and her former band performed at the wedding of Rwanda’s president’s daughter Ange Kagame. During a previous interview, she revealed that she enjoys walking barefoot to recall her childhood memories and to feel fully connected to the earth. (Well, we’d call that grounding!)
2. JUNO KIZIGENZA
The 21-year-old’s first single ‘Mpa Formula’ instantly went viral and opened the path to fame. Not to mention how much his romantic song ‘Solid’ supported to raise the bar, setting him on higher heights. Juno recalls himself performing at different shows in school and ironically now his songs, without a doubt is being performed elsewhere. We are eager to see his journey, unfold.
1. NEL NGABO
Kina Music’s very own Nelson Byusa Rwangabo is literally the most played artist currently in Rwanda, consequently, has won the hearts of many due to his smooth and heartfelt lyrics. Aged 23 he has already released his album titled ‘Ingabo’ with songs such as l ‘Nzahinduka’, ‘Zoli’ ‘Solo’ all touching almost 1 million on Youtube prominent features include featuring Platini on ‘Ya motema’ and ‘Gake’ featuring Igor Mabano.
Idole thrives on inspiring and motivating those around her by supporting them to realigning themselves to their confidence & living out their best version.
She captivates through the essence of leave people in a better position than first encountered, which she embodies in her demeanour. Her keen interest in mindful studies the realm of meta-physics covering Meditation, Crystals, & Energy Healing to Self-development; hence she is a qualified Lifestyle and Spiritual Coach.
An eclectic ear nourishes her passion for music and the entertainment scene; she is the Radio Presenter of the weekly “Outspoken Truths” show on GN Radio UK which dwells into various topics from Music to Women empowerment celebrating ancient African Cultures and Spiritual Practises.
Founder of Rwanda Hub on Clubhouse, she is always searching for means to connect Rwandan, showcasing her Rwandan heritage and promoting the vast pool of talents and treasures the Land of a Thousand Hills has to offer. Connect with her via Clubhouse follow 🇷🇼 Rwanda Hub, or on IG/Clubhouse @be.idole
Lastly, stay up to date with all you need to know about African music at SOA, right here.
TOP 10 Rwandan Artists under 25
