Hip hop found a home on Boxing Day, December 26, as the second edition of Icyumba cya Rap transformed Zaria Court Kigali into a packed celebration of Rwanda’s rap culture, drawing hundreds of revelers for what is quickly becoming the country’s flagship hip-hop concert. ALSO READ: Icyumba cya Rap returns on Boxing Day with expanded lineup Building on the momentum of its inaugural edition in 2024, this year’s show featured an expanded lineup and uninterrupted performances, firmly positioning Icyumba cya Rap as Rwanda’s premier hip-hop gathering. Minister of State for Infrastructure Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye and Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire were among guests who attended the concert which is organised by Ma Africa. The night opened with US-based Rwandan underground Major Phablah, who set the tone with an energetic performance that warmed up the crowd. He was followed by Fifi Raya, who delivered crowd favourites including Wasara and Mon Bébé before paving the way for Young Grace who was making a return to the stage after years off the rap spotlight. She performed Token and Yohana, before paying tribute to late Jay Polly with her emotional closing song, Mpa Umusada which the rapper was featured. Concert MC Anita Pendo kept the momentum alive throughout the night, engaging the crowd with freestyle breaks between sets before Kenny K-Shot followed with a strong performance of hits such as Intare, Ntaribi, King Kong, and his latest collaboration with Trizzie Ninety Six, Buss It. He also introduced Umutagatifu Utazwi, one of Rwanda’s promising lyricists before Bruce The 1st took the crowd off the ground performing Demo, Lambula, and Bwe Bwe. ALSO READ: Tuff Gang denied performance at Icyumba cya Rap over time constraints With no cold breaks in the programme, the high-energy crowd stayed engaged as Logan Joe delivered one of the night’s most anticipated sets, leading fans into a massive sing-along with his hit Kibonumwe. Beyond the music, the atmosphere reflected a deep appreciation of hip-hop culture, with fans embracing 1990s and early 2000s fashion, giving the venue a nostalgic feel that matched the soundscape of the night. Drill artiste Zeo Trap was backstage waiting for his turn. And, alongside his Kavukire Gang crew of Chaka Fella and Bodack, he delivered a high-energy performance that kept the crowd on its feet. As the night stretched into the late hours, Bushali’s long-awaited appearance brought another surge of excitement with his dynamic stage presence. The rapper ruled the crowd into his breakthrough hits Ku Gasima. After a brief cultural drum performance by children from Indaro Yacu—an organisation that supports street-connected children and helps reintegrate them into society—Danny Nanone led the audience through a sing-along set. Jay C then delivered one of the night’s most heartwarming moments when he brought his three children on stage to perform some of his hit songs, before closing his performance with I’m Back (ft Bruce Melodie), a track that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Around midnight, Riderman appeared with his dancers, refreshing the audience with hits such as Haje Gushya, Umwamikazi, and Ikinyarwanda. Responding to fans’ chants, he closed his performance with Holo, to thunderous applause. The night’s most anticipated performance came last as concert’s headline act Bull Dogg took the stage, performing tracks spanning his career from his 2006 debut to his latest release, Yo Fam. T-shirts branded with ‘Yo Fam’ were on sale at the venue. Finally, former Tuff Gang members—P Fla, Green P, and Fireman joined Bull Dogg on stage to fulfill their promises to perform together as they were denied performance in the first edition. They performed their classic hits including Inkongoro y’Umushimusi, Amaganya, Kwicuma and other timeless hits delivering what many fans felt had been missing during the first edition of the concert. Tuff Gang also paid tribute to the crew’s late member and one of Rwanda’s hip hop founding fathers, Jay Polly. Despite the overall success, some attendees expressed concerns. “It’s good that they finally delivered, but they should do better. They should use live music to give fans better sound quality. Why set up live instruments and still rely on playback?” said one attendee who preferred to be referred to as a longtime supporter. The show ended around 2 a.m., closing a night that reaffirmed Icyumba cya Rap as a true home for Rwandan hip hop.
