A permanent Urban Boyz reunion remains a possibility, with members Safi Madiba, Humble Jizzo and Nizzo saying there is still room to discuss bringing the group fully back together. Urban Boyz rose to become one of Rwanda’s most successful music groups, winning the 2016 Primus Guma Guma Super Star title and multiple Salax Awards, including Artist of the Year, Best Group and Best Male Artist. However, strained relations between the members eventually led to the group’s split, and by 2019, the three had gone their separate ways. The reunion came after months of behind-the-scenes efforts led largely by Humble Jizzo to bring the group back together. Safi, who had relocated to Canada, met Humble in Kenya before the pair travelled to Kigali on July 22, where Nizzo welcomed them at Kigali International Airport. Urban Boyz officially announced their reunion on August 1 when the three artistes shared the stage for the first time since their split, performing together during the final leg of the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival in Rubavu. For the trio, returning to the stage in Gisenyi felt less like a comeback and more like a homecoming. Speaking in an exclusive interview with The New Times, Humble said the reception from fans exceeded their expectations. “We had this massive hug from the fans, by how they turned up and how they made us feel on the stage. So definitely we're happy, and also thrilled for this coming up show,” Humble said. He said the group had expected a strong turnout after weeks of growing anticipation on social media, but the reception on the night still surprised them. “People were already warmed up. They were like, we can't wait for this to happen. So we expected that, but it was even more. It was extra. It was so powerful,” he said. The decision to reunite was not straightforward for every member. Safi Madiba, who pursued a solo career during the group’s time apart, said he had initially been reluctant but eventually listened to fans who had repeatedly called for their return. “There were a lot of demands about us. Can you come and perform together? It's been a long time, so they need us to perform together,” Safi said. “I didn't want to come by myself, so I was like, I should listen to Rwanda's people, to our fans. That's why I decided to join. Let's do this as a group.” Humble described the reunion as a response to public demand after years of separation. “We've been separate or away from each other for almost 10 years. And then the love, people asking for us to come together, give them shows, forget about the differences,” he said. “We're no longer our own, we're ourselves. We just have to do this for the people, for the love that people invested in us.” What led to the split? Previous reports indicated that a persistent rift between Safi and Nizzo was at the center of Urban Boyz’s separation. However, the members said there was no major incident that caused the group to break up. Instead, they gradually pursued individual interests and projects. “There wasn't any massive thing that made us separate or part ways. It was just a simple thing,” Humble Jizzo said. “Maybe people wanted to explore some other things outside. But then after doing that, you come and say, okay, I have this, I also needed this. And that's why you see us here.” He added that none of the members ever truly abandoned music during their years apart. “A musician never stops. You may think they are not hitting the stages, but they are building something — maybe not released, but working on musical skills, instrumental stuff, but business as well.” Asked who was responsible for bringing Urban Boyz back together, Humble credited all three members, although he acknowledged taking a leading role in restarting discussions. “Everyone had a role to play in this reunion. We took over a year, maybe a year and a half, working on this. If it was just me, it wouldn't have worked,” he said. “Respect to this guy, for agreeing to come back together and do something together. At the end of the day, we are getting older. We are responsible adults.” Kigali show could be bigger With the Rubavu reunion behind them, the group’s attention has shifted to Kigali, where they expect an even bigger turnout. Safi said the trio is aware that Zaria Court’s capacity may not be enough to meet demand after tickets sold out. “We're expecting a lot of people because we haven't performed yet in Kigali,” Safi said. “Zaria Court is not that big. It's all sold out already, so maybe we are thinking of something big — but we'll see.” Humble said the group has also discussed staging a larger show that could attract fans from across the country, although no plans have been confirmed. “It's not going to be another date. We haven't decided yet. But it has to be there,” he said. Beyond live performances, the trio said new music together remains a possibility once their current run of shows and promotional activities is completed. However, they are not currently working on new material. Nizzo, meanwhile, called on fans to turn up for the Kigali show and celebrate the reunion with the group. Urban Boyz will headline “Replay Volume One” at Zaria Court on Saturday, August 8, as part of the venue’s first anniversary celebrations. Doors open at 6 p.m., with tickets priced at Rwf7,000 for General Access and Rwf15,000 for the Golden Circle.
