François Byiringiro, 21, also known for his stage name as Zeo Trap is on mission to change people’s stereotypes on rap and to cultivate hope in those struggling to overcome hardships caused by mental health issues. The 21-year-old rapper is cognizant that he lives in a society where some people have issues that limit them from having a clear vision and hence, wants to instil a positive mind-set in them. “My lyrics address mental health issues and highlight fellow young people who are jobless, addicted to drugs, among others. Through my rap, I give them hope and show them that no matter the situation, they can manage to break through by being patient and working hard,” he said. “Some also perceive rap as something for gangsters with bad behaviour. I want to make them believe in the good the new generation of rappers, which I belong to, can do.” Born in Gisozi, Kigali Province, Byiringiro was introduced to rap when he was young. He said his age mates loved listening to rap songs which he said they could easily relate to, adding that it compelled him to love the genre hence pursuing it. In 2017, when he was in high school at APADEM, he started writing hip-hop verses and performing in talent shows organised by his school. At the time, he was also a dancer and part of the school’s media club which hosted dissing rap battles which he said gave him a platform to prove he had stunning rap skills. In 2019, after graduating from high school, he joined a group called Byina Trap with fellow rappers. They made many songs including Munyana and Amazi Y’Abasoda which Byiringiro said have boosted their names. After the Covid-19 lockdown, the group members parted ways which became his paradigm shift to start a solo career. So far, he has made four singles with “Eleee” leading the rest as the most viewed on his Youtube channel. According to him, his persistence in rap was enforced by the love of his fans who raised his name as well as the brand he is part of “Kavukire” that deals with art and fashion. He particularly adores rap because it makes him address any message he wants and matches his writing style that requires him to first analyse a certain topic before writing about it. Byiringiro has performed in shows like ‘Bye Bye Vacance’ and at different clubs and bars. Since he started his hip-hop career, he has also met professional producers and has learned to edit videos, including his. He still faces challenges concerning promotion where he said some artistes are favoured by promoters while others, like him, are held back hence called upon music promoters to give opportunities to all rising artistes. He aims to become one of the top Rwandan rappers and own a music label. He uses Instagram as @zeotrap, Facebook as #zeotrap and email: zeotrap2021@gmail.com
