Rafiki with his Choga style

Singer and songwriter Rafiki has introduced a new music style “Choga Afrobeat”, into Rwanda’s music. In an interview with The New Times, the self-claimed Choga Style said he wanted to be a unique . Choga has a similarity with the rest of all other African music styles, commonly referred to as “Afrobeats).His full name is Rafiki Mazimpaka. The 25-year-old has gained popularity both home and in the region.“My music is aimed at helping people enjoy dancing to African rhythms,” Rafiki says. “The message in my songs is about life, work, collaboration and keeping the pride of cultures.” Rafiki who joined Rwanda’s music industry in 1998, has released more than 12 tracks and one album. His album “Icyambere”, literally meaning (Genesis), was launched in September, 2008. He has performed in several national and international concerts and festivals, including the Afro-Caribbean Festival in the Caribbean, 2007. The ‘Igikosi’ singer has also performed alongsid different international musicians, including P-Square, Brick and Lace, Sean Paul and Shaggy. Rafiki is on the top charts in the region and has collaborated with East Africa’s famed musicians, like Uganda’s pop star Jose Chameleone, Tanzanian Professor Joy, and Kenya’s Nameless. The twice Pearl of African Music awards winner is very eager to promote his music to the international level. He has formed a Live Band group of eight, and will be hired to perform in different hangouts, including weddings and big galas. The star is currently working on his second album, as well as shooting video clip called “Bagambe”. Ends

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Rafiki with his Choga style