It is the third week of 2024 and Rwanda’s music scene is still heavily influenced by the hits of 2023, with only a handful of new singles making their mark. ALSO READ: Five hip-hop producers that crafted hits of 2023 ALSO READ: Five music producers that crafted hits of 2023 However, there's good news for music enthusiasts. In this article, The New Times explores upcoming music projects, shedding light on what we know so far about them. Pro Zed's 'About Time' EP Darcin Shema Ngabonziza, a renowned producer, is set to embark on a new venture in 2024 – a career in rap. This musical shift kicks off with the release of his EP titled About Time. In a conversation with The New Times, he shared: It's a new me, a Pro Zed rapping, this year, I'm releasing my EP as a rapper. It will feature five songs, serving as my public debut in the rap scene. I've collaborated with talents like Ish Kevin, B-Threy, Bruce the 1st, and others. Pro Zed further disclosed plans for a pre-release listening party, promising to unveil details at a later date. Mark your calendars, as the EP is scheduled to drop on January 26. Riderman's 'Intama Mu Ruhu Rw’Impyisi' Emery Gatsinzi, better known as Riderman, is making a return, marking his comeback with the announcement of his eighth studio album. In a conversation with The New Times following the release of the album's inaugural track, Riderman shared his excitement, stating: This track is just a sneak peek into something much larger in the works. I am currently in the process of crafting an album titled ‘Intama Mu Ruhu Rw’Impyisi,’ which will offer listeners a musical experience reflective of my identity. Riderman's discography boasts an impressive collection of albums, showcasing his musical evolution over the years, he dropped Rutenderi in 2008, Impinduramatwara in 2010, Igicaniro in 2011, Kwibambura in 2012, Igikona in 2013, Drame in 2014, and the most recent Ukuri in 2016. Bushali's 'Full Moon' In March 2023, Bushali shared with The New Times his vision for his upcoming album, 'Full Moon.' He expressed that the album would be distinctive, being the first to be produced by members of his own family. According to Bushali, listeners can expect a unique touch, with the inclusion of his wife and their child's voices in some of the tracks. His family not only contributed their voices but actively participated in the composition and more. 'Full Moon' marks Bushali's fourth studio album, after 'Nyiramubande' in 2018, 'Kugasima' in 2019, and 'Ibihe 7' in 2020. He later treated fans to an extended edition, 'Ibihe 7 Deluxe,' featuring additional tracks. B-Threy's 'Muheto wa 2 Mushya' Discussing his upcoming mixtape, B-Threy recently responded to a hip-hop stan account on social media, saying: My next project is bigger than me, pray for your boy. The anticipation rose further when B-Threy's producer announced on January 2 that the mixing and mastering for B-Threy's mixtape, titled Muheto Wa Kabiri Mushya, is complete. Dizo Last wrote: “Who's ready for some 2024 good music like old times? Before the album's official release, B-Threy has been collaborating with prominent Rwandan fashion brands, such as Moshions, an apparel brand, and Kongwe, a fashion accessory brand. He has taken on roles as a co-creator of some fashion pieces and as an endorser for these companies. Fans can also look forward to behind-the-scenes footage from promotional campaigns, which The New Times has learned will be featured in mixtape's videos. B-Threy teased that Muheto Wa Kabiri Mushya '' is the second installment in the Muheto series, hinting that more projects are in the pipeline. Bruce Melodie's 'Sample' Details surrounding Bruce Melodie's upcoming album remain relatively under wraps, but the artist, recently returning from a US tour, hinted at the impending release on his social media by stating: Album Mode Activated on January 9. This album marks a milestone for Bruce Melodie as it will be his debut studio project, and sources suggest it will be titled Sample. Bruce Melodie's album is set to join the catalog offered by the 'Universal Music Publishing Group.' This comes as a result of a partnership with S-Curve Records according to insider sources. Davydenko and Tuff Gang collab album The long-awaited collaborative album between Davydenko and Tuff Gang, including Jay Polly, Bulldog, P-Fla, Fireman, and Green P, is set to make its debut in 2024. This project marks the first time almost all the members of the group have joined forces since their split. In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Producer Davydenko confirmed the news, stating: “Yes, we’re finally releasing the album this year. It's one of my priority projects that must see the light of day. There will be shows dedicated to it, and fans should stay tuned for more updates.” Additionally, Davydenko disclosed his ongoing work on collaborative albums and extended plays with various artists and producers, hinting at an array of musical projects in the works. The upcoming album is a reunion for members of Tuff Gang, recognized as one of the most famous and pioneering street rap acts in Rwanda. According to Davydenko the recording process commenced in 2020, and fans can anticipate “nostalgia.” Honorable mentions: Several other artists rumored to be working on albums include: Peace Jolis, Bulldog, Kevin Klein, Kevin Kade, among others.
