2022 was a good year for Rwanda’s music industry and 2023 promises to be even better with a new generation of artists entering new heights in their careers, as well as driving the music industry into the international arena. From the likes of Shemi, the youngest member of Loud Sound Music who is topping charts after dropping his maiden track, to Juno Kizigenza, a hit maker showing possible signs of converting to the hip hop genre, we highlight some of the young musicians that might take Rwandan music industry to another level in the next 12 months. Shemi The world first heard the young talented boy in 2022 when he featured on the second album of Loud Sound Music ‘ Rwanda Rw’ejo 2’, and ever since then, Shemi has managed to stay at the top of charts and he’s entering 2023 with his maiden track ‘Peace of Mind’ as one of the most trending songs in Rwanda. Shemi’s verse on ‘Bluecheese’ and remixing ‘Call Me Everyday’ by Chris Brown and Wizkid alongside Maestro Bommin is what secured his place at the top of the game, making him one of the promising artistes to make things happen in 2023. Bobby Bangs Loud Sound keeps churning out good musicians and Bobby Bangs is among the most talented kids that rose to fame last year through the record label. His name started popping up after the release of ‘Rwanda Rwe’ejo 2’ where he appeared on track eight with his verse as the highlight of the project. Bobby’s voice and bars is what makes him a unique singer who is showing possible signs of taking Rwanda’s music industry to greater heights in 2023. Bruce the 1st Bruce, AKA Wambere, is one of the newcomers on the streets of Kigali making wonders with a flow and rhymes that many find unique. The young kid started making rounds after the release of ‘Tugende ‘which featured Ish Kevin and ensured his breakthrough in Rwanda’s music scene. Having been on the list of Rwandan musicians who changed the game in 2022 with his maiden EP ‘Sad Boys’ that featured big names in the rap industry, there is no doubt that the 21 year old rapper will take Rwandan music to another level this year. Juno Kizigenza Since the first day of 2021, Juno Kizigenza has been delivering the best for his fans and last year the former member of Igitangaza Records changed the game and started making rap, a move that attracted a large community of music lovers. His appearance on big rap projects of 2022 such as ‘Long Way Up’ of Ish Kevin and Bruce’s ‘Sad Boys’ shows that he has been cooking and has a lot to drop this year with the help of the new generation of artistes. Ariel Wayz Ariel Wayz’s vocal skills show why she is one of the most sought after musicians in Rwanda at the moment. The young female artiste continued to set records in 2022 with her second EP, ‘Touch The Sky’, as one of the best projects ever released by a Rwandan female artiste, making her one of the artistes that might change the music game in 2023. She’s currently working on her debut album that might be released this year.
