French disc jockey and turntablist Jimmy da Costa Santos, alias DJ Skillz, known bagging three DMC World DJ Championship in a row, is coming to Kigali for the next edition of Rapstars Experience, The New Times has learnt. The event, powered by Green Ferry Music, came as a response to the shortage of local hip-hop events, with the help of Kigali rapper RoMeo Rapstar and Rwandan music producer Dr. Nganji. ALSO READ: Green Ferry Music, a den of youthful rappers This time around, five-time World Champion DJ Skillz will take over the decks at the upcoming edition of the event slated take place at Institut Français in Kigali on February 28. The night will also feature performances from RoMeo Rapstar, Icenova, Taz, Josskid, Samish ft. Insibika, White Monkey, and Gatikabisi. In partnership with the French Institute of Rwanda, we are bringing Skillz—a World DJ Champion and music producer—to Rwanda for the Rapstars Experience, said RoMeo Rapstar, one of the key organizers of the event. He will host a DJ workshop, participate in studio sessions with Rwandan rappers, and share his knowledge—just as we will share ours. Together, we can continue shaping rap made in Rwanda. We don’t always need to go abroad—why not bring top talent here, exchange ideas, and create from within? He added. ALSO READ: Is Rwandan hip-hop dead or has it evolved? What industry players say Since its debut in February 2024, the event has quickly become a must-attend for hip-hop enthusiasts in Kigali, offering a unique opportunity to witness top-tier artists in an electrifying setting. Before the concert, DJ Skillz will host an exclusive DJ workshop at 5:00 PM, giving DJs a rare opportunity to learn from a world champion. Registration, according to organizers, is free of charge and the workshop will be conducted in French, and all skill levels are welcome. Jimmy, aka DJ Skillz, is a French DJ renowned for his unprecedented three consecutive victories at the DMC World DJ Championship in 2018, 2019, and 2020. After winning five world champion trophies, Skillz released his breakbeat vinyl “You Know My Skillz” under the Beatsqueeze label, an album that sold out at lightning speed and is currently officially sold out. He has also collaborated with singer Max Wassen on the track “Champagne”, which has already surpassed half a million streams on Spotify. It was followed by “Coming Closer”, created in collaboration with Pokeyz, before unveiling “Tanga” last November, a track produced in partnership with Kenty Clide under the Uncommon label.
