Born and raised in Kigali, Canada-based Rwandan musician Getts Kent’s ability to make music and passion helped to keep going to become who he is and aspires to be in the future, regardless the ups and downs in his music career.
At the age of six, Kent and his brothers were already blasting music to the maximum volume, and perform songs from different on the dining table. The feeling and delight this gave him inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a big artiste someday.
The 23-year-old, real name Yves Shema Manzi, draws inspiration from his day-to-day life, which includes employment, family, relationships, and friendships, among other things. He is a multi-genre artist who performs hip hop, Afrobeat, and house music.
He started writing his own lyrics in 2014 in a group called ‘Dope Crack ‘. They released their first single in 2016. He released one album in 2020 and four Extended Plays (EP) between 2018 and 2023.
He contributed to the success of Young CK's 'Umugabo,' featuring Arnaud Gray, a song that gained significant attention from fans and significantly enhanced the artiste's visibility. This particular single was subsequently remixed by renowned Rwandan artistes, including Bull Dog, Ish Kevin, Young Grace, Prime Mazimpaka, and Diplomat.
The artiste now based in Montreal, Canada, produced for some of his colleagues' musical endeavors, reflects upon his musical journey as one marked by both highs and lows. However, these challenges have never deterred his commitment.
"During moments of adversity, a profound sensation envelops me while I'm in the studio pursuing my passion. This sensation reassures me that all will eventually fall into place. It serves as a profound motivation, reinforcing my determination to persist in the pursuit of a lifelong dream that has been with me since childhood,” said Kent.
Kent hopes to take his music beyond Rwanda's boundaries in order to reach a global audience. His aspiration is to offer solace and inspiration to his listeners, instilling hope in those facing despair and reaffirming the belief that brighter days lie ahead for those on the verge of surrender. Kent envisions his music resonating with a broad spectrum of individuals, providing them with a distinctive form of entertainment and a refuge during their most trying moments.
Kent possesses proficient skills as a producer and beat maker, which he acquired at the age of 17 under the guidance of his friend, Tzilly. It's worth noting that music runs in his family, as his brother, Smiff B, is a multifaceted artiste doing both rap and afro-beat genres.