2020 was a year of revelation with which a big number of emerging artistes have shown that Rwanda has indeed got talent in music. It only took one or two songs for the rising artistes to prove their worthwhile in the music industry. As such, The New Times brings you a list of Rwandan artistes to look out for in 2021 in no particular order. Vestine and Dorcas One of the songs that have trended most is ‘Nahawe Ijambo’, a gospel song from fast-rising duo Vestine Ishimwe and Dorcas Kamikazi (Vestine and Dorcas). Despite being their debut release, the song has so far gathered over 1,300,000 views on YouTube in just two months. Gospel music duo Vestine and Dorcas. Since they dropped the song in November, their voices have attracted the attention of many gospel music lovers. With this early success, the two young women have a task to prove that they are not a one-song wonder by producing more songs. Tabz As a member and vocalist of the Neptunez Band, Tabz, real name Tabitha Uwizerwa, acquired the skills needed for a professional recording artiste. With her previous appearance on big stages performing alongside the likes of Nigeria’s Johnny Drille, Seyi Shay, Simi, Joeboy, Nigerian-American rapper Jidenna, as well as Haitian-American singer Ross Phyllisia and French artiste Slaï, the fast-rising singer is confident that she has got what it takes to pursue her own career. A Nyundo School of Music graduate, the singer now has her eyes set on showing what a talented musician is and 2021 could mark the very beginning of her breakthrough. Her debut release ‘Me’ as well as her brand-new song ‘Boys’ look like productions from an established artist and if she keeps up the spirit, Tabz’s music will be among the songs to enjoy this year. Shauku Band The nine-member band is now exploring ways of fusing traditional music with modern urban genres giving music lovers a different taste and color through fusion music. Their debut song ‘Jolie’ has become a favorite for many since its release back in November last year. Unlike many bands, Shauku Band did not come to backup other artists at concerts but to produce their own songs and build a legacy in music. Shauku band comprises nine members, most of whom are music products of Nyundo School of Music. They include a pianist, two vocalists, a guitarist, a band drummer, a saxophonist a bass guitarist/ producer a DJ and Inanga instrumentalist. Ariel Wayz People have been praising Ariel Wayz’s voice ever since she began performing alongside her former band, Symphony band at different events. It even didn’t surprise anyone when she was selected to participate at ‘The Voice Afrique’ music tournament held last year in South Africa. Ariel Wayz. In August, the 19-year-old announced her surprise departure from the band, after four years, to pursue her solo career, and just last month she released her first solo single titled “Ntabwo Yantegereza” Her golden voice, live performance and her capability to sing in international languages makes her one of the artistes to lookout for in 2021. Chris Hat Another talent unearthed by experienced music manager Alex Muyoboke, who, in his music managerial career proved that an artist can go places under his management. The likes of The Ben, Urban Boys, Dream Boys, Charly na Nina and Tom Close are among artistes who enjoyed successful music careers under Muyoboke’s management and the talent that the young artiste has shown in his first song ‘Niko Yaje’ is showing signs that he can follow their footsteps. 2021 could sure become a revelation year for his career and yet for Muyoboke to show that he still has what it takes to turn an upcoming artiste into a superstar. Kevin Kade Judging from his videos, Kevin Kade could pass for an established artiste. But he hasn’t been around for long. In less than two years, his music needs no introduction and, given that he concentrates on music projects rather than his music promotion, he lets his music speak for him. Kevin Kade. His songs ‘Sofia’ and ‘Ma Bae’, which he released two weeks ago, are among the best songs that radio and TV stations keep on replaying. This year presents an opportunity for him to show that it’s a matter of time before he dominates the Rwandan music scene and beyond. Juno Kizigenza Music enthusiasts have been showing some love for the 20-year-old’s music since he started his career under the tutelage of Bruce Melodie. Two of his songs ‘Mpa Formula’ and ‘Solid’ have been identified by many among the best songs of 2020. He should now take advantage of the love people are showing for his music and deliver beyond what his ‘demanding’ music audience is expecting from him. Ish Kevin After Bushali and B-Threy, Trap music has found another talent in fast-rising rapper Ish Kevin. Born Kevin Ishimwe Semana, the 23-year-old is proving to Rwandans that he is part of Rwanda’s new Hip Hop generation with his unique compositions like ‘Toto Mtosso’ and Carina’ among others. Ish Kevin. He has also proved that he is not just an amazing rapper in the studio but also on stage, having been picked among the six finalists of the recently postponed ‘The Next Popstar’ music competition. Hip Hop lovers have their eyes on Ish Kevin’s quick rise and he has a tough task to cement his name to Rwanda’s world of Hip Hop music in 2021.
