‘Being on stage and playing my music is my favourite thing to do’

Rwandan rapper Bushali is an exciting talent. The self-described ‘King of Kinyatrap’ is a leading light of the country’s hip-hop scene with his sharp lyrics and onstage energy attracting a fervent following of young Kigalians. In an exclusive interview with Inzozi, the Gikondo-born artists talks about his new album 'Full Moon', why Kinyatrap speaks to young Rwandans and the international reach of his music.

Q. You grew up in the Kigali neighbourhood of Gikondo. What do you remember about that time? Does Gikondo still have an influence on your music? Growing up I remember hip-hop was not so popular on the music scene, but it resonated with me on a personal level. This motivated me to contribute in developing the music community by creating something only I can bring to the table. Gikondo is a big part of my roots an element of the artist everyone sees today and I will always be proud of it. Coming from where I have will forever push me further in my work and I am grateful for it.

Q. You first started performing music at the local Pentecostal church. Were you part of the choir? It seems a big jump from there to hip-hop music. When did you start to get interested in rap and why did you feel that was the kind of music you could best express yourself through? Personally, I wouldn’t call it a jump. It’s all music to me. Being part of the choir taught me the importance of different rhythms and lyrics when exploring my own capabilities to deliver the message I want to send to the world. The reason why I resonate with rap so well is it creates a space for the less-spokenabout conversations that can be harder to have. I have found myself making friends through the music. It brings people together – just like gospel and any other musical genre – and that’s why I value it so much in my life.

Q. Your real name is Jean-Paul Hagenimana. When did you take on the stage name Bushali, and why? When I was growing up, Bushali was a nickname those I was close to would refer to me as. It was inspired by my grandfather’s nickname, which to me is honourable because of the respect I’ve always had for him. It’s a stage name I wear with pride that helps me remember those who have shaped me as a man over the years.

Q. You are a leading light of the Kigali urban rap movement Kinyatrap. Why does this music mean so much to the city’s youth? Kinya Trap brings together components from traditional Rwandan music with more modern techniques and inspirations from trap music. This is something new here. I think new is good; it’s different, and that is what the new generation seems to be gravitating toward. When you discover a music style with such different origins and creates something that works as well as Kinyatrap does, it can make you feel alive. Being young can be hard in 2024 when you are learning to navigate the world we’re living in. I thrive in knowing I can be a positive influence to my younger fans, as I have two young kids now. It’s very important to me.

Q. The rap scene here appears to be a close and creative community with collaborations prevalent. What does teaming up with other artists bring to your music? Through my eyes, for the rap scene in Rwanda to be as successful as possible requires creative work from different types of artists throughout the country. I often work with people in the fashion industry for my music videos, while visual artists help me offer fans original pictures to associate with my work. The creative process of my music requires talented producers who understand me as an artist. It takes a lot of different perspectives from various lived experiences to create something new that flows together seamlessly. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I do alone. Having people around me with similar visions when it comes to creating art is inspiring in itself.

Q. Are there collaborations on your new album, Full Moon? I’m dropping Full Moon—my fourth album but my first independently released—very soon. It has 14 tracks and features collaborations with artists from all over the world. Among the guests are the widely renowned rapper Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones and producer Ghanaian Stallion, who has worked with singer and rapper Black Sherif. As my first independent album, ‘Full Moon’ is very important and shares highlights of my musical journey so far.

Q. Full moons are often associated with wild and unusual behaviour. Is that the reason you chose the title? Do you think that energy and freedom are important in music? To me, the album’s title signifies patience, a necessary part of an artist’s journey through scrutiny, self-doubt, and growth. I hope my music will touch the hearts of many and engrain the seed of patience and hope in their lives.

Q. I saw you perform at this year’s Kigali Triennale. You were the headliner and last on a very strong bill of African talent. The reception was good for the artists who played before you, but when you came on stage, there was a huge bump in energy. Everyone started going crazy. What does it feel like to be on stage and get that kind of reaction from the crowd? I go all in when I am performing. Being on stage and playing my music is my favourite thing to do. That’s why I am so energised. That kind of reaction from the audience gives me the motivation to go even harder. It motivates me to keep delivering crafts for my people.

Q. Who are your musical influences? My musical influence start here in Rwanda. I’ve been listening to Rujindiri. He was the creator of Intanga [a centuries-old Rwandan music played on a zither-like instrument that gives the genre its name]. He was an incredible artist with his way of jumping into his instrument. A more modern influence is the US rapper Nas. I like his way of writing.

Q. Is there an artist you haven’t worked with yet that you would like to collaborate with on some music? I really would like to work with this favourite artist of mine from the US, Don Toliver.

Q. You recently played to a packed-out BK Arena for the Kigali Fiesta event. Are there more major concerts coming up to share tracks from the new album with fans? I am planning shows to promote my album worldwide. The tour starts in Europe in May. My team and I are working on big concerts in Kigali to come.