As the year closes in, many surely have a list of who and what stood out for them this year, perhaps in fashion, music, art, business and so much more. Today, in no particular order, we take a look at some of the local artistes who stood out this year.

Benjamin Mugisha aka The Ben

He is arguably one of the biggest artistes in Rwanda. Aside from dropping hit after hit, the singer set a record when he launched his album KoNahindutse in Brussels, Belgium, where fans turned out in masses. He also performed at one of the biggest annual music festivals in Paris, L’Afrique au Zenith and a whole lot of other major concerts that happened in the Diaspora. His songs likeNtacyadutanya, Habibi, KoNahindutse have enjoyed massive airplay. The Ben says that this is his 8th year of music career but he never gets used to the love people show him each and every single day.

"It is exhilarating, it’s beautiful. There is so much pressure on me, positive though,and I have to keep the pace all the way,” he says.

Urban Boyz

When the trio of Safi Madiba, Humble Jizzo and Nizzo Ka-boss met in 2007 in Huye, they had no idea that they would achieve what they have achieved so far. Today, their hard work has paid off after nine years as a band. It is safe to say that Urban Boyz were the envy of many after they bagged a cash prize of Rwf24 million after winning this year’s biggest music competition Primus GumaGuma Superstar.

The trio lost to Riderman in the third edition of the competition and failed to make it through last year, but that did not stop them. "Be humble and disciplined, and then work hard. There’s nothing impossible if you have a goal. However, do not look to us if you want to achieve big; emulate those beyond us,” Nizzo was quoted.

Charly & Nina

This girl duo is certainly heading in the right direction. The year 2016 has certainly been their year and ever since they dropped their hit single Indoro which featured Big Fizzo, they’ve been the artistes to have at any social event. Almost all concerts organised this year featured the duo and from the look of things, 2017 looks to be a better year for the girls.

Songs like Indoro, Agatege and Owooma which featured Uganda’s Geosteady, have captured the hearts of Rwandans and undoubtedly, cemented their place on the music scene. They were nominated in the Artiste of the Year, Best Afro/Pop Singer and Group of the Year at the Salax Awards. Nina says getting this far is certainly not easy but it’s mostly God, hard work and determination. "Having made it this far feels really great but once you have God on your side and you work hard, everything falls in place,” she says.

Yvan Buravan

If it wasn’t for the Kinyarwanda lyrics, one could easily mistake Yvan for an American soul singer. His voice is silky smooth and his lyrics, sensual. He joined the music industry in 2009, but his brand became a household name this year. He was nominated in the Best R&B/Pop Singer at the Salax Awards. Some of his songs include Just a dance, Malayika, Ni njyenawe.

Yvan attributes his growth in the industry to the support of his fans. "I appreciate the love I have been shown by my fans and I thank God for this. I promise to continue with the hard work because I can’t let my fans down,” he says.

King James

He has been on the music scene for quite some time now and has managed to stay afloat mainly because of his endearing talent and exceptional vocals.

The exclusive touch he has given his music has undoubtedly set him apart and the creativity in his videos has definitely kept him in the game. He has also staged and headlined many shows in the Diaspora.

Medard Ngabo aka Meddy

His music is food to the soul. Meddy has always been a darling to Rwandans when it comes to music and one would attribute this to his silky voice and striking physique. He was nominated for the MTV Africa Music Awards in the ‘Listener’s Choice’ category.

Also, the star managed to land himself a collaboration with one of East Africa’s biggest groups- Sauti Soul. His new single Ntawamusimbura is gaining popularity.

Gaby Umutare

He is a fast-rising traditional musician. His song Ayo bavuga put him into the limelight and since then, it has been hit after hit. He has had various collabos with fellow artistes like Yvan Buravan, Social Mula, among others.

The star was also nominated in the Artiste of the Year category at the forthcoming Salax awards.

DJ Pius

The fast-rising star certainly knows his way around the mic, he has proved to the world that aside from him being a top disc jockey, he can actually sing, and this is backed by the string of hits he has released this year, including one of the region’s biggest hits, Agatako which featured one of Africa’s finest artistes, Dr Jose Chameleone.

He has also released another song, Play it again which he did with Uganda’s Radio and Weasel and it has become a massive hit too.

Odda Paccy

Resilience best describes this talented musician; she is Rwanda’s popular female rapper. She is a woman of all genres and sometimes goes for R&B. She is planning to launch her third album next year and her song Nibaariwowe was nominated in the Video of the Year category at the Salax Awards.

The rapper appreciates the journey she has taken and is proud of how far she has come. "I am proud of what I have achieved so far and promise much more in the coming year.”

Knowless

2016 has surely been this diva’s year; she tied the knot, had a baby and even graduated! Aside from that, she has made awesome collabos with some of the biggest artistes in Africa that are yet to come.

Knowless was nominated for the 2016 Africa Youth Choice Award under the ‘Best Female Artiste of the Year’ category and was also nominated among the Best Female East African Artistes of the Year at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).Her song Konashize has one of the coolest videos in the industry this year.

Who was your best artiste in 2016?

Gaby Umutare has been the best for me this year. He is naturally talented and when he sings, you can feel that his voice is unique and strong. The guy is actually talented.

Edna Darlene Gasana, former Miss CBE

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For male musicians, I would pick Yvan Buravan because he has had nice songs and beautiful videos. And in the women, I would say Charly and Nina; they have worked hard this year and have not disappointed their fans.

Laban Bizimungu, cashier

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Yvan Buravan has produced really good music recently, and so far, he has been the best for me this year. He is gifted with such a nice voice and his music is kind of different form what you hear every day.

Fionah Munezero, student

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I would choose Oda Paccy among the women because she is the one who has tried to put out nice songs constantly the whole year. She has also tried to invest in her videos, like there was one she shot in Dubai. With the men, I choose Urban Boyz; their music is nice and they were the winners of Primus Guma Guma this year.

Vianney Muhawenimana, stylist