From July 4–5, the courtyard of Institut Français pulsed with the sounds, colors, and movement of hip hop, as I Am Hip Hop Festival returned—bringing together rap performances, breakdancing, graffiti art, BMX showcases, and streetwear to celebrate the growing influence of hip hop culture in Rwanda. Organised by Green Ferry Music, one of Rwanda’s pioneering hip hop record labels, the festival not only spotlighted established names in the rap game but also offered a performance platform to emerging voices in the genre. From live rap sets to vibrant street fashion, the festival embodied more than just music—it was a cultural convergence. Streetwear brands like Fragile (Fra.), Strive, and others weren’t just vendors at the event; their designs took center stage as artists and revelers alike showed up in their gear, reinforcing the tight bond between hip hop and fashion. The turn up may not have been as high as expected, but few rap folks who showed up had no second to get bored. The first day featured an energetic lineup of the likes of Kingz Band, Holix, Jay C, Racine, Ngaara, P-Fla Romeo and Rapstar, who paid tribute to the late Jay Polly by performing some of his classic tracks like Ibyo Ubona, alongside Ice Nova. Others on day one stage included up and coming rappers Sano Boi, AY, Tazz, Hunni, Nseythegreat, who shared the stage with his sister. Day two was just as vibrant, featuring Pogatsa, Barick Music, Afro Jiggy, Big Zed, Ice Nova, Chaka Fella, and Zeo Trap among many others. The stage lit up with high-energy performances, while the audience responded with equal intensity. In a short exchange with The New Times, Romeo Rapstar, a Green Ferry-signed artiste and one of the festival’s lead organisers, stressed the event’s role in nurturing talent. “We want this to be a training ground for young rappers,” he said. “And part of that is building real chemistry with DJs—they’re part of the performance, not just the background.” One of the revelers, Jean de Dieu Semugeshi also reiterated this, pointing to acts like AY, Hunni, Poppa, and Tazz the Pimp, whose DJ is also their producer, as an example of this synergy. “You could feel how tight they were on stage. That connection makes the difference,” he added. Romeo also commended the streetwear brands for collaborating closely with rappers—not only by providing custom stage outfits, but also by supporting album merchandise and creative campaigns. “These brands understand the culture,” he said. “They make it easier for artists to express themselves visually.” As the final performances wrapped up, the energy didn’t fade. Instead, the venue transformed into a full-blown dance floor. The lights dimmed, the beats switched up, and the courtyard turned into a club-like atmosphere. DJs took over, and the crowd—artists and fans alike—moved in rhythm, dancing and celebrating the culture they helped elevate. The impromptu after-party became a fitting finale: a spontaneous, joyful reminder that hip hop is not only performed, but lived.
