Amidst a dynamic music scene, collaboration stands as a vital pillar, especially within rap music circles. Rwandan rappers, particularly those emerging in the new school era, are increasingly championing teamwork as part of collectives.
These alliances serve to broaden their audience base, foster creative development, and make meaningful strides in the industry.
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Rather than mere musical groups, these collectives represent tight-knit communities or "homes” for artistes to nurture their craft. Each member’s individual contributions not only showcase their talent but also contribute to the collective’s overall success.
Understanding the significance of these collaborative efforts, The New Times has curated a list of the top six rap collectives driving the genre forward. This selection process involved a thorough examination, considering various metrics such as streaming data, individual achievements, playlist placements, and grassroots recognition.
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Loud Sound Music
Loud Sound Music stands at the forefront of Rwanda’s rap scene, boasting a lineup of influential artistes including Pro Zed, who also oversees and produces much of the crew’s music. Alongside him, prominent figures like Ish Kevin, Kenny K-Shot, Logan Joe, and Arnaud Gray, among others, are part of this powerhouse collective.
Credited with pioneering the drill music movement in Rwanda, Loud Sound Music has carved out a niche in the hip-hop landscape. While their signature sound revolves around drill, they seamlessly blend elements of 808s, trap music, and even old-school hip-hop beats. Their innovative approach has enticed veteran rappers like Bulldog and Riderman to collaborate on new school tracks.
Beyond their musical contributions, Loud Sound Music also operates as a record label, they’ve already released two successful projects, "Rwanda Rw’Ejo” and "Rwanda Rw’Ejo 2”, featuring collaborations not only within the crew but also with artistes from other collectives.
Moreover, the collective’s influence extends beyond the music itself. Ish Kevin, expanded his entrepreneurial endeavours by establishing Trappish Records. Under this label, he has signed talents like Hollix, Juni Quickly, and more, hinting at a new chapter in Rwanda’s rap scene.
The collective’s most successful solo albums, including "Trappish II”, "Kibonumwe”, "Intare”, "Umunyabigwi 2”, and more, have garnered widespread acclaim.
Kinyatrap
They emerged in 2017 when a group of high school graduates in Kicukiro joined forces to pioneer a unique musical style known as Kinyatrap. This subgenre quickly gained momentum, sweeping across Rwanda with its blend of traditional oral storytelling techniques and contemporary trap beats.
Drawing inspiration from the Rwandan tradition of kwivuga, which involves poetic recitations at weddings and communal gatherings, Kinyatrap artistes infuse their music with rich storytelling and infectious melodies. Their debut hit, "Nituebue”, captivated audiences with its innovative use of slang, fashion, and delivery, setting the stage for a new era in Rwandan music.
At the forefront of the Kinyatrap movement are rappers Bushali, B-Threy, Slum Drip, and producers Dr. Nganji and Dizo Last. Together, they form the core of Kinyatrap, a collective founded under the music label Green Ferry Music with a roster of artistes, including Rod’B, Amalon, Icenova, Pogatsa, Ngaara, Maktain, Weya Viatora, AntikDusts’, and Lil K, Kinyatrap has produced a diverse array of hit tracks and albums.
Several fan-favourite albums have been released by the label, including "Nyamirambo”, "Nyiramubande”, "Kugasima”, "Ngoma 100”, "After Doze”, "A Thousand Hills Prodigy”, "Ubuvanganzo II”, "2040”, among others. The success of the trap subgenre in Rwanda has ushered in a new era for the music industry, which had previously been focused on old-school hip-hop. Kinyatrap’s influence has been instrumental in shaping a new generation of rappers who continue to dominate the charts in 2024.
Kavukire Music
Kavukire Music, also known as Kavu, comprises rappers Zeotrap, Bodak, Chaka Fella, Majagu, and Niz Regend. They are credited with revolutionising the drill scene with their unique sound, characterised by raw and intense lyricism.
Zeo Trap, considered the crew’s standout artiste, has garnered over two million views across 22 YouTube video releases. His track "Umwanda” alone has amassed over 645,000 views in just one year, making it one of the standout rap tracks of 2023.
Beyond their contributions to hip-hop, Kavu Music has diversified into fashion, launching a series of merchandise inspired by their music. The Kavu store brand also embraces eco-friendliness, delving into recycling and customisation of one-of-a-kind clothing collectibles.
Formerly known as Byina Trap, the crew initially delved into dance alongside their musical endeavours. Their breakthrough track, "Byina Trap”, generated significant interest within the rap community, despite receiving mixed feedback.
After exploring viral trap tracks for a year, they pivoted towards drill music with the release of "Byina Drill”. This transition marked their venture into the drill scene. Under the moniker Byina Trap, they also released tracks like "Amazi Yabasoda”, "Munyana”, "Iyi Hit”, and "Shyushya Umujyi”. Other members of Byina Trap included Mr. Nkonji, Eddy Bruzzy, Shan West, and El Diablo, among others.
99 Gang
99 Gang, a rap collective consisting of members The Illusionist, Bryan, Kellz, Skid, G Flag, and T-Rex, burst onto the scene in 2020 with their debut album "Insomnia”, featuring 13 tracks. The same year saw the release of another successful project titled "Ntwvli”, which included standout tracks like "Transition”, "Igifuri”, "A Different Bleed”, and "Hype”, among others.
Known for their trap style, 99 Gang often incorporates samples from iconic vintage music into their songs. In 2021, they unveiled two projects: "2”, a 7-track mixtape, and "Still Got Nobody To Thank”, a 17-track album. The following year, the crew dropped two mixtapes, "Out Of Reach” and "The Renegades”, collaborating with emerging rapper thedicekid.
Their most recent album, "DIREKTT!”, released in 2023, garnered acclaim from fans, with some hailing it as the best Rwandan rap album of the year.
Their collaborative album "DIREKTT!” also featured thedicekid, Insibika, Paintedblvck, and Feggy. Among their repertoire, tracks like "Drip Ni Must”, "Mbikorera Nde!” and "Nigute” have gained significant traction and gone viral.
Mellow Couch
Mellow Couch is a collaborative effort comprising artistes Manzi Fleur, Reddy, Sema Solé, and Mwiza, alongside producer-engineer Reddy.
Known for their sombre yet punchy lyrical style, they often rap over stripped-back post-trap instrumentals. Although they haven’t released a joint music project yet, Mellow Couch made waves in 2023 by hosting the inaugural MellowFest. This festival, featuring music, vendors, food, drinks, and merchandise, served as a celebration of art and talent in Rwanda. With plans for it to become an annual event, Mellow Couch aims "to continue shining a spotlight on the country’s hidden talents.”
Sema Solé, a standout member of the collective, has garnered millions of streams on music platforms since his debut track "Ignis” featuring Prime Mazimpaka. His successful tracks like "Kama”, "Yota”, and "iBururu” have resonated with audiences. Collaborating with fellow member Manzi Fleur on tracks such as "Old Fish”, "Baguette”, and "Black Puffy”, the rappers showcase versatility and creativity.
Both Sema Solé and Manzi Fleur have also pursued solo projects. Sema Solé's "Bururu EP" and Manzi Fleur’s "Citron”, were both released in 2021, Mwiza has also ventured into solo territory with the release of the single "Taste of Olives”, characterised by its lo-fi chill vibe, a novel addition to the Rwandan music scene, one would say.
GMF
Get Money Forever (GMF), although relatively new in the rap scene, has quickly gained recognition for their consistency and talent. The collective comprises producer AY and rappers HUNNi, Taz, Khire, and PoppA.
In 2023, they made their debut with an extended play titled "Speed Race”. While it didn’t achieve significant success, their solo projects have garnered attention from rap enthusiasts. Notable among these projects are the "Exit EP” and "Exodus EP”.
Honorable mentions: Soundstorm Music, consisting artistes like Genius, Xeventeen, Loverboy, Chill Flacko, and Young Reezy. OTG, featuring Zon, Kayleng, Kinkut, K-Rob, and Maskot. Lastly, 30x boasts talents such as Rynax, Prodbygoast, 22Case Law, and 4rex, among others.