In 2017, a group of aspiring young artistes, mainly high school graduates came together and created sounds that resulted into the Kinyatrap genre, a maverick musical wave sweeping Rwanda.
Among the youngsters that pioneered the sub-genre is Rodrigue Ndahiro, professionally known as RodB, a fast rising rapper who converted to an independent artist that is driving the new wave of sounds taking Kigali by storm.
The 25-year-old musician has come a long way since he first started honing his mic skills as a teenager, growing up in Kigali, an area that produced most of the influential rappers in the country including fellow drillers and rappers like Bushido and B-Threy among others.
After parting ways with Green Ferry Music where he produced hits with most Kinyatrap pioneers, RodB is now poised to make a huge impact as he secures his place in front of the Rwandan hip-hop audience and plans to release a second album. How did he get there?
Also read: Inside the rise of Kinyatrap, first rap sub-genre by young Rwandan musicians
A product of Green Ferry
"Green Ferry is where it all started. We were hungry to make a change in the Rwandan music industry and we surely did. Kinyatrap is everywhere now,” RodB said in his recent interview with The New Times.
The young rapper also credits Prime Mazimpaka for introducing him to Green Ferry where he produced his first studio album that ensured his breakthrough in Rwanda’s music industry.
With Green Ferry, Rod B was able to produce his first album Icyangwe and featured on some tracks like &039;Ukuri', with Bulldog, 'Wikabya' that featured Bushali, and many others, all which influenced the rise of Kinyatrap and introduced a whole young generation into the local music scene.
According to RodB, the decision to part ways with Green Ferry Music was based on mutual understanding and there was no disagreement between him and management of the label.
"Green Ferry raised us but it was time to go independent. I am now working on my own and ready to take over” the young rapper told The New Times, adding that he eyes a foreign market for his products including an upcoming album.
The making of Rod B’s second album ‘Shmmgo’ and his future plans
After withdrawing from Green Ferry, RodB is set to release his second studio album dubbed 'Shmmgo' that will premiere mid-year with appearances planned from prominent names like DJ Pius and others.
The album, according to him, represents a major step onto the global stage. Having been produced in the new wave of Drill genre by big producers like Kina Beat, there is no doubt that the seven-track project will have a big impact on Rwanda’s music industry.
"My second album is produced in a way of re-introducing my art to my audience. It will also give me a chance to show the world what Rwanda and Rwandan drill is all about,” Red B said.
Currently, Rod B has a number of hits including ‘I'm Real’, ‘Kiddy K’, ‘Ukuri’ among many others.