Projects like ‘Ndigukaba’ and ‘After Doze’ show how collaboration in hip-hop turns ambition into impact. In this genre, teamwork is more than just a strategy—it’s a driving force. When solo artists join forces on a joint album, they bring their distinct styles, lyrical perspectives, and rhythms together, often creating a sound that surpasses individual work.
Fans of Rwanda’s rap scene have a lot to look forward to as such collaborative projects are set to drop on November 14.
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In a new venture, Pan African Music and the Rwandan creative agency Cornwine have teamed up to launch a creative hub called "+250," after Rwanda’s country code. "We’re building a space for expression, where Rwandan artists, producers, and innovators across music, film, fashion, and publishing can grow and connect with global audiences,” the project statement reads.
To kick things off, they’ve assembled a powerhouse group of sixteen of Rwanda’s top rappers, vocalists, and beatmakers. The supergroup includes Bushali, Slum Drip, B-Threy, Sema Solé, Ish Kevin, Nikita Heaven, Angel Mutoni, and Ice Nova, alongside producers Dr. Nganji, Pro Zed, Barickmusic, Aristide, Kushbeatz, Kinabeat, Michael Makembe, and Hervis Beatz.
Together, this collaboration aims to showcase the heart of Rwanda’s urban youth culture.
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The +250 project makes its debut on Thursday, November 14, with a live performance and photo exhibition at the Kigali Convention Center, featuring exclusive portraits by photographer Michiel Robberecht.
Since 2017, ACCES—a leading pan-African platform—has brought together thousands of music industry professionals in various African cities to connect, exchange ideas, showcase talent, and build a vibrant music sector across the continent. This initiative by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), a non-profit pan-African organization, will hold its 7th edition in partnership with the Rwanda Convention Bureau.
As part of the ACCES conference, hosted at the Mundi Center, the +250 project artists will premiere as a collective. The Showcase Festival will spotlight over 20 live performances from top African talents, including Sir Trill, Heavy-K, Zaki Ibrahim (South Africa), Octopizzo (Kenya), Bantu Spaceship (Zimbabwe), Prince of Gakondo and Impakanizi (Rwanda), Wamoto (Tanzania), Assa Matusse (Mozambique), Jordan Moozy (Botswana), Kaya Byinshii (Rwanda), Aurus (Reunion Island), Youbana (Morocco), and Indigo Saint and Banshee from Zimbabwe.
The conference features 60 speakers from over 50 countries and a variety of activities, including workshops, a showcase festival, a songwriting camp, and exhibitions. This immersive experience caters to both music enthusiasts and professionals. Registration for the conference is free, while entry to the festival is Rwf20,000.