Rwandan hip-hop artiste Diez Dola is optimistic that 2026 marks a shift in how he approaches his music career, moving from experimentation to structured execution, as he seeks to grow musically. The rapper, who has built a following through high-energy performances and a steady output of music over the past two years, describes the current phase of his career as one of transition rather than emergence. “Honestly, this year is about transition,” Diez Dola told The New Times. “I’ve spent enough time learning, experimenting, and building my sound. Now it’s execution. I’m treating my music like a real business—better planning, stronger visuals, consistency, and more discipline.” “I’m no longer chasing the ‘upcoming’ tag; I’m focused on impact, numbers, and legacy,” he added. Diez Dola rose to wider public attention within Rwanda’s hip-hop scene through a style rooted in street-oriented lyricism and an assertive music performance. Overtime, he has become known for energetic music performances characterised by high tempo and crowd engagement, a reputation that has contributed to his inclusion on several high-profile concert line-ups. In a space of one week, the rapper recently performed at The Ben and Bruce Melodie’s Nu-Year Groove concert, an event that attracted large crowds and featured some of Rwanda’s most established music acts at BK Arena on January 1. He also appeared at Mavado and Shenseea’s Fresh Year Fresh Riddims show, which brought together local and international performers, as well as at Kevin Kade’s five-year anniversary concert, another major live event on the local entertainment calendar which featured Tanzanian star musician Ali Kiba. These performances marked a period of increased visibility for Diez Dola, placing him on stages typically associated with more established music acts. While he does not frame these appearances as milestones in themselves, they appear to have informed his reassessment of where he stands within the industry. Regarding formal recognition, Diez Dola says awards are not his primary motivation, though he acknowledges their role in signaling industry impact. “For me, I don’t chase awards, but I respect what they represent. I’m aiming for major regional and continental recognition platforms that celebrate African music and African talent. My focus is to release quality work that naturally puts me in those conversations,” he said. More to come in 2026 According to the artiste, the emphasis this year will be on delivering a more cohesive body of work, supported by improved planning and presentation. He indicated that listeners should expect a project that reflects artistic development rather than experimentation. “This year, fans should expect a focused and powerful project from me—music that truly represents my growth,” he said. “I’m also putting more energy into strong visuals and live performances to elevate the whole experience.” On potential collaborations, Diez Dola confirmed that discussions are ongoing but declined to provide specifics, citing a deliberate approach to releases. “Yeah, there are some collaborations in the works. But I’m moving like a ninja this year,” he said. “Nothing official yet, but when the music lands, the surprise will be worth it.”
