The year 2009, has brought a new face to the Rwandan music, from an era of one man doing music and the rest learning from him to one man winning the race just because he is lucky.

This year brought new figures that have amazingly run the industry their way, the better way of course. The question now is who is a step ahead of the others? EMMA PRINCE takes you through the list.

The Ben;

Some say his voice box is magical. He knows how to play with his sweet and strong voice. Talk of songwriting, he is just right. Some say this 2008 award winner is too good a love doctor because of his stirring love lines. Why not let him rule ‘R en B’ in the land of a thousand hills?

Meddy;

It took many fans long to tell between him and The Ben. Meddy, 20, came up with his wonder song ‘Amayobera’ in the first half of 2009 and ultimately became a fans’ favourite. His stage performances make even oldies party till late, the boy can dance. Will he stand being ruled?

One of the big time ‘R en B’ pillars Tom Close is still kicking too. He recently launched his second album ‘Sibeza’ and still makes girls scream on stage, but he has a point to prove this time.

Hip hop by the same token met a favorable season. Giving an award in this category will not be easy for judges. Who is your best rapper, 2009?

Riderman;

He is the incumbent, according to the 2008 Salux Awards. He is not willing to give up the chair though. Rusakye(The Rooster), as he calls himself has been active throughout 2009 with singles, ‘Underground’, ‘Nakoze iki’ and ‘Umwana Wimuhanda.’ He still has a peculiar rhyme and lyrics that make you chuckle.

K8- Kavuyo;

His vocal power is next to perfect. Many rappers, even from the U.S would have something to learn from his flow, ‘so special’. He was buried underground for quite long, even when he made a collabo with Tanzania’s wonder boy, AY in ‘Rwandan Girl’.

But now 2009, has been his year coz his songs are some of the most played. He also launched his first album ‘Isaha Ya Munani’.

Diplomat;

He knows ancient history. His flow is self styled. This deep voiced rapper sometimes confused for American gangster ‘Snoop Dogg’ was barely known before his early single ‘Umucyakara Wibihe’. When he touched fame, he never let go, but released hit after hit. Today, he is no more the ‘underground king’ as he used to call himself but, the King as many call him.

The Tuff Gang product, Bull Dogg and Jay Polly are also big guns in the game. Jay Polly has unbelievably drawn masses to himself with his ‘sweet’ rap. He is a potential ruler who still has a few meters to walk to fame.

Bull Dogg, already named the ‘King of Old school’ is too good a rapper but has not really barked off contenders this year. 

What’s your take? Any missing names?

Ends