Rwanda’s top 2013 hit songs

As we enter into 2014, The New Times recalls some of the hit songs that made last year tick and the artistes behind them. 2013 was a successful year to many Rwandan entertainers. The music industry registered a number of successes, with several artistes in and outside Rwanda releasing club bangers.

Thursday, January 02, 2014
Urban Boys. The New Times/Courtesy

As we enter into 2014, The New Times recalls some of the hit songs that made last year tick and the artistes behind them.

2013 was a successful year to many Rwandan entertainers. The music industry registered a number of successes, with several artistes in and outside Rwanda releasing club bangers.

One of the people we interviewed, DJ Trapboy, says that some artistes made the country’s music scene remarkable.

While many made the list and scaled high, people like Rafiki, Mako Nikoshwa, Sandra Miraj, and others were nowhere to be heard. But nonetheless, there were songs which took the entertainment industry by storm when they hit the market and these are few of them in 2013.

No one will doubt why the video of "Bibaye” by Urban Boys became the Video of the Year courtesy of Salax Awards 2013. The group has succeeded in breathing life into the genre of music.

King James has his hit song; "Ndagutegereje” among others the public’s favourite and one wonders what next will be off the talented artiste’s sleeve. His other song which rocked the airwaves was "Umuriro Watse”.

U.S-based Rwandan artiste The Ben became the toast of party rockers and gigs in 2013 in the country with his 2012 hit "I’m In Love” gaining popularity.

Since then, The Ben, real name Benjamin Mugisha, has grabbed the success with both hands and gone ahead to release "Urabaruta”.

Every year, certain songs gain airplay and you will not fail to find it on a radio station at any given time. In the clubs and bars, DJs play the same songs. Some stick around a bit longer while others fast fade away but not before remaining on people’s minds.

2013 was filled with catchy tunes that we just can’t get out of our heads. Here are some of 2013′s most popular tunes, according to our informal survey:

* Imitobe/Kanda Amazi by Two 4 Real* Marry Me by Urban boys* Nasara by Meddy* Urabaruta by The Ben* Ndagutegereje by King James* Kubita by Urban Boys* Udukoryo by Active* Agakaye by Two 4 Real and Ama-G The Black* Umuriro Watse by King James* Rubanda by Kina Music/Abdoul Makanyaga* Holy Spirit by Meddy* Care by Ama-G the Black* Ansira by All Stars* Deux fois Deux by Jay Polly* Induru by Riderman* Urare Aharyana by Dream Boys* Itangishaka by Fireman & King James* Ibitenge by Urban Boys ft Ama-G The Black and King James* Abanyakigali by Social Mula* Abanyabirori by Rider Man* Yebabawe by King James* Fata Fata by DJ Zizou feature All Stars* Kubita by Urban Boys* Icyuki by Bull Dog* Baramushaka by Knowless* Umusirimu by Paccy* African Swag by Alpha* Abubu by King James* Ni Iki Utabona by King James* Ndamufite by Momo* Umusaza by Bull Dog* Sinakumenye by Davilla* Mbwiza Ukuri by TBB* Kelele by Urban Boys* Uteye Ubusambo by Uncle Austin* Ndi Uw'i Kigali by Press One Entertainment