Rapper Fifi Raya is among the few women who have chosen to stick to their guns in Rwanda’s hip hop scene—a space largely dominated by men. For her, staying the course is not optional; it is the only choice.

The rapper will become the first woman to perform at Mic Tribe, Volume 3, an event that will also feature established rap figure Bull Dogg, Congolese artiste Yosh-B, B.Threy, Logan Joe, and Pro Zed. The lineup brings together artistes who continue to shape Rwanda’s hip hop culture through lyrical depth, storytelling, and electrifying stage energy.

A passion shaped early

Born Fiona Ishimwe, Fifi Raya’s love for music took root at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, a school known for nurturing talent alongside academics. While studying History, Geography, and Economics (HEG), she spent significant time in the studio, refining her craft and laying the foundation for a music career.

"I was very fortunate to attend a school that offered spaces for nurturing talent. Many of us discovered our hidden abilities—singing, dancing, tailoring, drumming, and more,” she said.

"We were taught how to pursue these talents professionally, and that’s where I got the opportunity to access studios and had enough time after regular classes.”

"I loved music so much. I started composing, rapping, singing, and every small step motivated me to keep going,” she added. "My time there gave me the confidence to understand what I could do best.”

The artiste, known by many for her track ‘Déjà vu,’ said her burning love for music gradually replaced childhood dreams of becoming a basketball player and a businesswoman. While business still interests her, being a femcee is now her main focus—and a pathway to brand endorsements.

At 25, Raya is in her fourth year in the game, steadily building networks and sharpening her identity.

"I recorded my first song while I was in Senior Five. I worked with Juno Kizigenza, and it was a love song. That experience gave me the courage to continue,” she said.

"Before my breakthrough, I recorded many songs that didn’t work out, and I later deleted them from my platforms.”

Moment of breakthrough

Raya stepped into the spotlight in 2022 under the management of socialite and influencer Ddumba, alongside fellow emerging artist Tonalite. Early singles such as Liquor Store, Cyaze, Tuzagukumbura, and Hoshi—a collaboration with Tonalite—earned her growing recognition.

More recent releases including Wasara, Dejavu, Cyane, and Mon Bebe have since cemented her place in the often-controversial genre, particularly within the local hip hop scene.

"Dejavu, featuring B-Threy, is so far my best work,” she said. "It came out of the blue, but we softened it after he advised that hardcore lyrics wouldn’t suit the song. It performed well in terms of numbers and encouraged me to keep going.”

Fifi Raya currently works independently although handling all her projects alone remains a big challenge to her career.

"Hip hop for females is carrying dead weight,” she said.

Raya says she feels fortunate to have a supportive family, even though they initially had little understanding of the music business.

"I told them I wanted to pursue music, and they gave me the green light. That motivated me to keep going because otherwise I’d feel like I had no blessings,” she said.

She recalls that opportunities came slowly at first. Her first paid performance earned her Rwf150,000—a figure she found discouraging given the high production costs involved in music.

"It was shocking because it wasn’t even close to what I had invested. But now I can earn over Rwf800,000 and get more gigs in a month,” she explained.

Raya says she has no local role model, citing Nicki Minaj as her main inspiration. She believes hip hop has been particularly tough for women, as many who attempted it either quit or shifted to other genres. Still, she insists that passion and consistency eventually pay off.

The genre and the struggle for relevance

Rwandan hip hop has long faced scrutiny, with early perceptions linking it to rebellion and negative influence. This fueled parental resistance, media skepticism, and internal struggles such as poor professionalism and identity debates. According to Raya, that narrative is slowly changing.

"We understood that discipline is key. A few rappers have been working to recreate a positive image—something we lost for a long time. We believe something big is coming,” she said.

"We previously lacked commitment, self-evaluation, and proper communication.”

Despite the challenges, Fifi Raya is determined to stay the course.

"I want to work very hard to stand alongside my fellow brothers in the industry,” she said.

"I have my own artistic identity and I don’t copy anyone. Some female rappers inspire me, but I can’t do exactly what they do. I want to be recognized where it truly matters.”

She believes her breakthrough performance at Icyumba cya Rap proved her point.

"People will not be able to distinguish me from male rappers,” she said.