If you have turned on the radio, watched TV, or attended a music festival in the last several years in Europe, Asia or America, you have likely noticed DJs and producers like Skrillex, Kygo, Martin Garrix and David Guetta, flooding the market and achieving international popularity on an unprecedented level through performing at EDM shows and festivals.
Fast-rising artistes Eloi Muhoranimana, popularly known as Eloi El is on a mission to put Rwanda on the global map of EDM and House music, by not only producing the soulful sounds, but also inaugurating EDM festivals that will help fans of this genre meet and connect, something he believes will increase its popularity in Africa.
Growing up watching Avicii, Kygo, some of the best EDM producers, perform live in festivals, Eloi El dreamed of waking up one day and play for the same crowd as them in Africa, especially Rwanda.
Eloi El, talking to The New Times, said that one of the reasons that inspired him to start EDM shows is it's non-appearance in the region and how people are not familiar with how it sounds.
However, he believes that by introducing it and gathering people to experience the goodness of these sounds, many will start to adopt and feel the new vibe.
"I assure each and every EDM lover in Rwanda that 2022 is going to be their best year. It’s going down early next year,” he confirmed to this publication.
When Eloi El released his first music video ‘TRY’ early this year, he got positive feedback from different people and they were all concerned about why this type of music is not being played in Rwanda.
However, he believes that doing live shows will create awareness and bring a good impact to this type of music not only in Rwanda but on the whole continent.
Eloi El also revealed that 2022 is going to be a productive year for his career by introducing more of Tropical House vibes and Deep House music that could rave in a club setting or live shows different than the chill and relaxing type of songs that he normally makes.
When asked the reason he makes only EDM music, the 22-year-old artiste said that this genre has been a big part of his whole life and he always wanted to become a musician in this type of music.
"EDM hits different than other genres. It creates some memories that are hard to forget,” Eloi El said, explaining the uniqueness of this genre.
"It doesn't require a lot when producing it. All you need is a good melody, lyrics and a good production” he added.
Target of EDM festivals in Rwanda
Many artistes in the region stick to a few genres such as Afro beat and Hip Hop, something Eloi wants to change through introducing EDM festivals.
According to him, the first target of EDM festivals in Rwanda is to make revelers have fun, enjoy good vibes and connect through this genre.
By providing space for EDM lovers, he said that he also wishes to create something that will give opportunities to other upcoming EDM Rwandan producers, DJs and musicians, and help them create music freely without any restrictions such as sticking only to Afrobeat.
About Eloi El
Eloi El is 22 year old musician, producer, singer and songwriter born and based in Kigali, Rwanda. He is on a mission to push forward the boundaries of electronic music, armed with a freshly crafted sound aimed towards the international crowd.
In December 2021, Eloi amassed more than 7.6 Million streams on Spotify and landed on huge playlists from Spotify editorial playlists such as Chillout Lounge, New Music Friday Canada and Deezer editorial playlist such as Chill relax by Deezer Editeurs France.
He has now surpassed more than 15 Million streams on Spotify.
This Friday, Eloi EL is releasing a brand new Electro House and Deep House track called "On Fire" collaborating with Lost Ways, a Swedish top producer.