Many remember him for backing Riderman on stage a couple of years ago but upcoming Hip Hop singer Karigombe is now keen on growing his musical career rather than stay in the shadow of his more established peers he normally backs up.

Nevertheless, he recognises the fact that backing up the likes of Riderman gave him the opportunity to test the murky waters of the industry and establish himself among Rwanda’s finest rappers.

The rapper, real names Steven Munyurangabo, has back up Riderman on stage for more than five years but 2020 seems to be a decisive year for him to shape a new chapter of his music by going solo so he can write his name on the local music scene.

Last month, he released a new song ‘Umunyerezo’, which is a collaboration with Safi Madiba, as he continues to push for a personal breakthrough in the music industry.

Even as he aspired to build his own career, Karigombe can’t stop being thankful for the level to which his ‘role model’ has put him on during their time together.

"Riderman has always been there for me, as a mentor and a music partner. He really played a big role in my music development. He gave me a platform without which I would not be where I am now and, for that, I owe him so much respect because his support has been really vital,” Karigombe said’

He says he wants to take advantage of the exposure Riderman gave him and is confident it can push him to another level.

"He gave me good exposure and introduced me to a big number of music fans and the media, something which I think only very few can do. And it’s not just a favor he does for me because he also pays me for the work I do for him. However, I need to grow, my name needs to grow musically and I don’t see myself reaching any further while I still rely on others like this,” he added.

Born in Ngoma, Eastern Province, Karigombe entered the studio for the first time in 2011, alongside his two colleagues with whom they grew in music together singing in the same group known as ‘Street Soldiers’. They went together in F2K studio, Nyamirambo, and recorded their first song ‘Umubyeyi Gito’.

The 23-year old rapper started doing music as a professional business in 2017, shortly after he graduated from Nyundo School of Music. He is a part of the first promotion that graduated at the school alongside fellow musicians Igor Mabano, Yvan Mpano and Yverry among others. He was also one of two rappers who were members of Sebeya Band.

At his young age, traditional music was Karigombe’s favorite style but, when you ask him, he struggles to explain how he ended up as a rapper.

Hip-hop is my destiny

He initially started with Sebeya Band where he was one of two rappers who graduated in the first promotion of the school in 2016 before he became Riderman’s regular backup performer since 2017.

So far Karigombe has six songs under his belt, including ‘Never Give Up’, ‘Kigali Party’, ‘Muduhe Inzira’ ft Bull Dogg & Mani Martin, ‘Urudashoboka’, ‘Sandra’ and the new song ‘Umunyerezo’, a collaboration with Safi Madiba.

He says he is now adapting to a new life since he decided to go solo as he targets to see himself performing alone before the same number of fans he used to perform for as a backup singer.

It is a moment he has been waiting for and he says he is ready for the challenge.

"Actually, the journey is not easy at all, but I am happy that my music is improving. I am proud of where I am though there is still a long way to go. I was privileged to study music and my vision is on the right path,” he said.

The rapper says he already has music projects in store, including singles and collaborations, as he seeks to launch his debut album this year.