PHOTOS: Riderman, Bulldog gear up for concert with rehearsals at Shauku Hub

Two legends of Rwandan Hip Hop, Riderman and Bulldogg, are set to perform live on August 24 in a concert named after their collaborative EP, “Icyumba Cy’Amategeko,” at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village. I caught up with the rappers during a rehearsal session on Thursday, August 9, at Shauku Hub, where they’ve been preparing for the concert with the Shauku Band. The rehearsals are in full swing, with a strong focus on delivering flawless vocals for the live performance. ALSO READ: EP review: Riderman-Bulldog’s ‘Icyumba Cy’Amategeko’ We’re performing some fan-favorite tracks from over the years and more, shared the Wancitse Vuba hitmaker. As our fans know, Bulldog is a monster on stage, and Riderman is a beast too. We’re ready to deliver a fire show. Riderman mentioned that this concert is a response to fans’ requests after the release of their six-track EP, which includes tracks like “Hip Hop,” “Amategeko,” “Miseke Igoramye,” “Nkubona Fo,” “Muba Nigga,” and “Bakunda Abapfu.” He also revealed a few of the other artists set to perform, including Ish Kevin, Tough Gangs, Kenny K Shot, and Bruce the First, among others. ALSO READ: Riderman-Bulldog rap connection, Strictly Soul back in Kigali and more With ten albums under his belt, Riderman was asked why he chose to collaborate with Bulldogg on “Icyumba Cy’Amategeko.” He explained, “Bulldogg is a good friend of mine. We went to the same school, we're from the same generation, and we entered the music industry around the same time. There are so many reasons—I know he’s got me when it comes to being a lyrical genius. He’s one of those people you can sit with and write and record two or three songs in a night. After collaborating on three or four tracks for my previous albums, our chemistry was strong enough to easily create this masterpiece.” When asked to address fans who were concerned that this might be his final concert after he announced plans to quit music back in 2016, Riderman reassured them, saying, “Quitting the music industry was on my mind back then, but that was then. Due to my fans’ requests, I’ve changed my mind. I’m here for good, and I don’t plan to quit anytime soon.” On his part, Bulldogg revealed some behind-the-scenes details about “Icyumba Cy’Amategeko” that fans might not know. “It only took us three studio sessions to complete the EP,” he shared. “We were able to do two songs per session. When we set out to create this project, our goal was to make people happy, and we’ve achieved that. The reception has been incredible, beyond our expectations. It’s been a success, thanks to our combined energy, and we’re already planning more projects together.” Looking ahead to the August 24 concert at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (formerly Camp Kigali), Bulldogg expressed confidence about the turnout. “We’ve been in this industry for a long time and have seen it all,” he said. “Anyone in the rap game will tell you we’re not doing this for the numbers; it’s for the love. So, no matter what, we’re going to give the best show possible.”A group Olivier Habineza, an associate of Ma Africa and Shauku Band, who are handling the concert preparations, expressed his gratitude to Riderman and Bulldog for trusting them with the “Icyumba Cy’Amategeko” event. “It’s surreal—both rappers are people we look up to. When they entrusted us with this event, we were committed to not letting them down. As you’ve seen, the performance preparations are in the final stages. We’ve worked closely with them and other rappers involved in the concert to give Rwandans something they’ve never seen before—a great rap experience that all attendees will enjoy. You just have to come and experience it for yourself.” Tickets for the event are available at www.maafrica.rw or via MoMo Pay (113355). Early bird tickets are priced at Rwf 10,000 for regular seats, Rwf 20,000 for VIPs, and Rwf 30,000 for VVIPs. “Icyumba Cy’Amategeko” EP, which premiered on May 30, quickly became an internet sensation. Bulldogg and Riderman, both hailed as pioneers of 90s hip hop, have maintained their status as some of the most consistent artists in the industry. Their longevity is often attributed to steering clear of the troubles that plagued many of their peers, such as incarceration and drug abuse. As of press time, their collaborative EP has already surpassed 1.5 million streams across various platforms.

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PHOTOS: Riderman, Bulldog gear up for concert with rehearsals at Shauku Hub