Rwandese rapper, songwriter, and producer Ish Kevin has officially signed with Universal Music Group East Africa (UMG EA), marking a major milestone for Rwanda’s growing hip-hop scene. The deal, announced by UMG EA, is expected to open up new opportunities for the artist to expand his reach and create commercially successful music.
Ish Kevin, who has steadily risen as one of East Africa’s most prominent rap voices, expressed his excitement at joining the global music powerhouse. He described the move as a significant step not just for his career, but also for Rwanda’s cultural representation on the world stage.
“Signing to UMG is a big step not just for me, but for the culture,” Ish said. “It means our sound, our stories, and our energy are now on a global stage. It’s proof that African voices, especially from Rwanda, belong in the world conversation.”
UMG EA’s General Manager, Chinasa Udeala, praised Ish Kevin’s originality and ability to connect with young audiences. “His authenticity resonates deeply with the youth, making him a major voice in the country’s urban music scene. This is a major milestone for East African hip-hop and music from Rwanda in general. Partnering with UMG East Africa, Ish is ready to share his undeniable talent with the world.”
Ish Kevin’s rise began in 2021 with breakout singles such as Amakosi and No Cap. The latter went on to gain international recognition when UK-based urban music platform GRM Daily featured it in its “7 Hard Drill Tracks from Around the World.” Known for his multilingual skills, Ish seamlessly raps in English, Swahili, French, and Kinyarwanda, further broadening his global appeal.
Reflecting on the signing, Ish added, “Expect bigger collaborations, more powerful storytelling, and music that connects beyond borders. It’s about growth, but also about putting Rwanda and East Africa on the map in a new way.”
Following the success of his debut LP Blood, Sweat and Tears, Ish Kevin is preparing new projects under his UMG EA partnership, promising to elevate Rwanda’s hip-hop scene to greater heights.
