It’s one thing to speak arrogantly about oneself, and another to speak well of oneself out of confidence, passion, and undeniable talent. Most of the time, words do not match actions, but Kenny Rulisa, popularly known as Kenny K shot, has a different story. The 22-year-old rapper has been making music for six years, and his name is prominent among Rwandan youth, especially following his collaboration with ET Rw on the hit “Kantona” played practically everywhere in the country. He says he started a rap music career in English with his best friend Shema Manzi Yves, better known as Getts Kent, as a duet called ‘Dope Crack’—it was a game-changer but also brought a torrent of criticism as time went by. This was due to the fact that Rwandans were more accustomed to Kinyarwanda songs. The artiste responded to his fan base by recording a number of Kinyarwanda songs, with the hit “Ibitambo”, catapulting him to new heights. His mentality of never giving up set him apart from the rest. “I recall being six years old and constantly listening to music and memorising every song I heard. When I was younger and fantasised about becoming a musician, I used to tell myself that I would compose 1000 songs in my notebook so that by the time I got to the studio, I would be able to crank out one song after another without stopping. I wanted to be known for my music, so I developed a strategy to achieve that goal in my head,” Rulisa says, laughing. “But that was me when I was a youngster; I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to be an artiste, instead I wanted to be a doctor too,” he adds. The ‘Dope Crack’ duo were friends since primary school. “Getts Kent was the first person to convince me that I could accomplish everything I set my mind to. He showed me that I could be anything I wanted to be. It was really a great moment when we released our first song “Underrated”. He also supported me in the creation of my debut hit, “Too Many”. I believe he made it happen because of his contacts, talent, and technological skills; he helped me and I am grateful,” Rulisa says. When asked why ‘Dope Crack’ came to an end, he says, “When he went abroad, it became difficult to keep working as a duo. However, we still help each other out as much as the distance can allow.” Currently in second-year at Mount Kenya University pursuing a business management Bachelor’s degree, Rulisa plans to continue his career. “Music is a career for me. I want to keep rising and contribute to moving Rwandan music to the next level, but I also believe that having a degree is crucial,” he says. Asked why he began rapping in Kinyarwanda, he says, “I want to see Rwandan music on a global level, but I also want Rwandan hearts on my side, so I produced a seven-song EP called “Drill Season Ep” in reaction to the critics. Rwandans reacted pleasantly and enthusiastically, and there was nothing more I could ask for. “Many of my plans were disrupted by Covid-19, but I’m still here, and I’m here to stay. Meanwhile, Rwandans should get ready for my next project “Intare” which I have already dedicated to them.” Rulisa, the composer of “Inception”, a 26-song mixtape, has collaborated with a number of artistes, including Ish Kevin, Arnaud Grey, Kivumbi King, and others.
