The local music industry registered considerable success in 2014, with several artistes releasing club bangers. There are those who created fantastic tunes, the ones who took their art more seriously and did their best to produce great pieces, and the ones who became stars.

In no particular order, The New Times lists the top eight local musicians that rocked the country’s music scene, based on a mini survey carried out in Kigali.

Urban Boys

This music group got Rwandans to love their own music exceptionally. From their hits Simubure, Bibaye and Barahurura to Kelele and Nkubita, they made a mark on the local music scene.

Urban Boys is made up of three good looking guys, but the good looks are not the only thing they have. Their music is fresh and raw. Their music produces a mesmerizing effect on the people but it is their unique style that gives them a lot of fame. 

The group consists of Humble Gizzo, Nizzo Ahmade and Safi Niyibikora under their record label, The Super Level.

Did we mention that the group performed in Europe last year? Oh yes! The boys rocked guests at the Miss and Mister Rwanda-Belgium event in Brussels on October 5.

Jay Polly

Hip-hop singer Joshua Tuyishime, popularly known by his stage name Jay Polly, surely had the best year in his music career so far. However, his star sparkled to the maximum on the night of August 30, as his name was announced as the Primus Guma Guma Superstar season four (PGGS4) winner at Amohoro stadium in front of thousands of music lovers, who had gathered to witness the grand finale show.

Jay Polly has been labeled the ‘The King of Hip-hop’ by his fans. He is the source of inspiration for many young and upcoming artistes who want to make their name in the Hip-hop genre of music.

The rapper, known for composing controversial songs, remained one of the most popular musicians in the country throughout last year. He rocked us with his songs such as Malaika and Deux Fois Deux, to mention a few.

Riderman

It was in 2008 when Emery Gatsinzi, aka Riderman, rose to fame; and he is one of the few musicians that can fit into any genre. Many people consider him as a very talented artiste largely because he never sticks to one style.

Riderman is flying high with his various hit numbers such as Cugusa, Igicaniro, Igikona, Urusaku rw’Amasasu, among many others. He has several Salax Awards to his name, and in 2013, he won the Primus Guma Guma SuperStar season three edition, an annual televised talent competition organised by Rwanda’s largest brewing company Bralirwa.

King James

Ndakwizera is the song that made James Ruhumuriza, best known as King James, famous. His contributions to the local music industry are countless. He is a musician that delivers deep messages in every song of his. His songs are liked by people of all ages and he continues to captivate music lovers throughout the country.

His hits Yantumye, Zizane Tuzinywe and Yaciye Ibintu are among the songs that topped chats in 2014.

Knowless

The year 2014 saw this beauty move us from Baramushaka to Tuliya and shot videos for her songs Umutima and Agatima, featuring Christopher Muneza in Nairobi, Kenya.

Knowless has a unique style and character that endears her many fans. Her music contains an altogether different kind of charm. Her vocal talents and good looks have helped her become a household name in the country’s music industry.

Gaby Kamanzi Ingabire

She’s another household name. But her popularity is biggest Gospel music fans. The songwriter and singer’s composition list includes so many hits. The Groove awards-winner wowed many with her hit Amahoro and Wowe, songs that have enjoyed massive airplay across all platforms.

Serge Iyamuremye

The new kid on the block has in recent past definitely rocked gospel music lovers in the country. His last single Arampagije won him various accolades and dominated airwaves.

Iyamuremye won the 2014 Xtreem Music Awards as the Rwanda Song/Artiste of the Year during the annual regional gospel music awards held in Kenya.

His contributions are considered important in making the gospel music popular. He is one of the most talented and innovative gospel artistes in the land.

Bruce Melody

Bruce Melody understood the essence of music right from childhood. He believed that music can bridge the gap between cultures and people which can be easily be proved from his work. He is an amazing musician who has incredible guitar skills.

Bruce Melody’s style of music gives him fame and his success continues to grow from strength to strength.