Rwandan rapper Ish Kevin celebrated the release of his second album and the third installment of his Trappish series, Trappish III: Win Some, Lose Some, with a listening party at La Noche in Kigali on Thursday, September 17. The 10-track album, released Friday, September 18, features collaborations with Kenny Sol, Logan Joe, OG2Tone, Pro Zed, BibiBoi, Njerae and Buruklyn Boyz. Tracks including “Abajeune,” “Question,” featuring Kenny Sol, and “Chat Chat” were released ahead of the full project, building anticipation for the album. ALSO READ: Eight Hip-Hop projects defining 2026 so far The album is Ish Kevin’s first LP since signing with Universal Music Kenya Limited in 2025. He said the project draws from his own experiences, including the highs and lows he has faced. “When I was creating it, inspiration came mostly from my life, my wins and losses. That’s why this is Trappish III: Win Some, Lose Some,” he said. Compared with his earlier projects, he said, the new record carries a more mature perspective. He wanted that growth to come through in the music and reflect some of the experiences that have shaped him. ALSO READ: 32 years later, music still heals where it once harmed “All of this is part of the message in the tape, and it’s not only me. Whoever hears it will find somewhere they can relate that connects with their life,” he said. He also hopes listeners will take something personal from the songs rather than simply listen to them at face value. “I want my fans to connect with me spiritually. Get to understand me. I want the message to reach them that it touches them and they can hear it,” he said. Artistes and fans turn up The listening party brought together artistes including Davis D, Pro Zed, OG2Tone, Ririmba, Diez Dolla and Nillan, among others. Darcin Shema Ngabonziza, known professionally as Pro Zed, features on “Ndabaga.” His working relationship with Ish Kevin dates back to 2020, when they first met while Pro Zed was producing music from his parents’ home. “He found me somewhere where I was doing production and I was still living with my parents, so we worked together from there. He trusted me, and look at us now, still making music together,” Pro Zed said. Pro Zed said he was proud to contribute to the project as both a producer and singer. For fans, the event was an opportunity to hear the album before its official release. Queen Irakoze, who has followed Ish Kevin’s music for more than five years, said she was excited to hear the new project with friends. “I have been a fan of Ish Kevin since 2020 and I know most of his songs, so it’s a great opportunity to be here today for his second album. I am so excited to hear the album and enjoy it with my friends,” she said. Ish Kevin said the turnout at the listening party gave him confidence as he begins the next chapter of the project. “The movement is advancing, culture is developing. Our fans should not give up on us. We will make them proud,” he said.
