She is arguably one of the best female rappers, and poets, Rwanda has produced recently, but Angell Mutoni is not letting one style define her or resting on her laurels. Her versatility and ability to fuse rap, Afrobeat, dancehall and other styles to create the type of music that can transcend Rwandan borders is what defines her. Mutoni is back on the charts with her latest track “Bounce” featuring Kivumbi King, a song she describes as a summer jam as she continues to reinvent herself. “Bounce’ is a fun, summer song that mixes hip-hop and dancehall sounds. It is a confident song that I want the people to enjoy while at parties, clubbing, getting ready to go out, etc.,” she told The New Times. “I wanted to do something people can just let loose to and enjoy. I wrote the song after hearing the beat, produced by Barick Music, and then asked Kivumbi to get on board, and he killed it. We had to drop it during this summer time period because it only makes sense when you hear the song,” added Mutoni. She is currently working on her official debut album, which she wants to release in early 2025. A sneak peek behind the scenes Mutoni has also been posting videos of herself showing the behind-the-scenes part of creating, how she feels when she is creating and her personal journey, trials and tribulations as an artiste. “I have been working on a Vlog series on my YouTube channel that shows the process of us working on it and follows our studio sessions as we do so, “It is exciting for me because it is the first time I share behind the scene footage of myself in the studio working. So, I am looking forward to also sharing the final project,” she says. While some artistes choose to produce music that can appeal to local fans for easy traction, Mutoni has stayed true to her craft, producing the type of music that appeals to the elite and uptown and that can also make the international charts. The rapper finds a way to fuse both, mixing Kinyarwanda, English and a little bit of French and at the same time incorporating beats that can, for instance, appeal to an American or Jamaican audience. “I think my goal has always been to be able to reach a diverse set of people, despite the fact that I am a Rwandan Artiste. I want to be able to spread my music as far as I can, and so, with that, I have always made sure to mix genres, languages, etc. I want to be able to stand and share my art on different kinds of stages,” Mutoni says. “It's important to mix in Kinyarwanda because that is part of my identity and people need to know that. I am proudly Rwandan and I believe that our music needs to be pushed further, no matter the language it's written in,” she observes. Mutoni, who is also a poet and spoken word artiste is also a songwriter with a penchant for music since childhood. “I've always been a music friend from a very young age. But I'd say I started making music officially in 2014, so it's been a while. At the time, I was learning my sound, my vision and myself as an artist. It has been a series of learning experiences since then that have brought me to now,” she recalls. ALSO READ: Mutoni on her dream to represent Rwanda on global stage Overcoming hurdles For a young woman, venturing into an industry, whose returns are not guaranteed, it takes guts and commitment. Through her videos, she’s been detailing her life, including personal struggles and temptations to quit, but somehow managed to pick up the pieces and carry on. “I have been lucky enough to have a very supportive family that believes in me, that encourages me to pursue my dreams as much as I can. It is a privilege and a blessing that I do not take lightly,” she says when asked how she’s been able to juggle other life demands and expectations of society and pursuing her musical passion. It certainly hasn’t been a journey without challenges, especially considering that female artistes will most often find themselves having to manoeuvre a number of difficulties to make it to the top, coupled with financial demands that come with creating. “Yes! Challenges always arise in this industry and I am grateful to have been able to push through regardless,” says Mutoni, who released a five-track EP dubbed “For Now”, last year. Asked about the challenges she has had to deal with through her music expedition, the rapper said, “Some of them [challenges] have included not being able to finance my art as I wish. It has been a crutch that sometimes held me back in the past, due to the fact that, when I first started, some form of financial investment to be able to work well was needed.” “I am grateful for those who supported and helped me. However, I also faced a lot of doubt and confusion about how to proceed as an artist sometimes, as we all do. So, getting outside of my head had been a great challenge too. But we are here now,” she added. A bright future As a millennial, Mutoni is one of those ‘next generation’ artistes expected to take Rwanda’s creative scene to the next level, to perhaps even be able to scale international stages, regardless of the challenges. As the country heads into the July presidential and parliamentary elections, Mutoni has high expectations in regards to what the future holds. “Well, as a millennial and second time voter, I can say it is beautiful to see how much the creative scene in Rwanda has evolved and how far we have come. We are in a place where great opportunities continue to present themselves, and I love seeing artistes take advantage of this,” she says. She believes artistes can do it if they get the right support, coupled with their own hard work, and also how society values creatives. “We still need to push and work harder to support our artistes in many different ways, but I think things are happening so far. In the next few years, I am sure we will be a great big African creative hub, if people continue to push and support the movement,” she says. “It is time creatives were given the respect that they've always deserved. So yes, I'm excited to see what's to come and I am glad we are moving forward in a positive and effective way,” she observes. The MC says, regardless of the hurdles in the industry, there is more to look up to in the future and, to a young gifted woman looking to pursue music as a career, it is doable. “I think what I can say is to do it. If it is something that is dear to your heart and a dream, then you can surely get to it. Learn the craft, figure out your vision and surround yourself with likeminded people that believe in your dreams and want the best for you,” Mutoni advises musically talented young women. “But most importantly, love yourself enough to always want the best for yourself. Never settle for anything that doesn't help you grow as a person and as an artiste or reach your goals. You are capable,” she further advises.
