In 2024, Rwanda witnessed the comeback of a sound that many thought had faded from the country’s mainstream music, and that’s the classic old-school hip-hop style of the late 90s and early 2000s. This evolution, led by a new generation of artistes, mainly rappers and producers, is a clear move in the country’s music scene, marking a pivotal moment for hip-hop culture in Rwanda. Among the key players driving this movement is Juni Quickly, a 22-year-old producer who is quickly emerging as a household name in Rwanda’s music scene, with some of the biggest hits in the country. ALSO READ: Can Ish Kevin and his generation save hip hop? His journey Born Junior Boris Ibambe, Juni Quickly is signed to Trappish Records and has already made a name for himself by producing hit songs, most notably 'Bwe Bwe Bwe' by Bruce the 1st featuring the likes of Ish Kevin, Kenny K Shot, and Bulldog, which has been hailed as one of the top-selling tracks of 2024. The producer’s fresh take on hip-hop, filled with both old school and modern sounds, is what catches the attention of the rap community, making him one of the most up-and-coming producers to watch in 2025. In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Juni opened up about his journey into the world of music production, a path that began surprisingly during the global lockdown in 2020 sparked by the outbreak of Covid-19. “Growing up, I always dreamed of being a football player,” the producer said, recalling youth days at his neighbourhood in Gasabo District, Kigali where he was born and raised as the youngest of three siblings. “But when COVID-19 hit, everything changed. Drill music was taking off at that time, and I started watching YouTube tutorials on music production.” The young producer’s entry into the world of hip-hop came at a time the genre was undergoing rapid evolution worldwide, with the rise of drill music and the resurgence of old-school sounds. For Juni Quickly, it wasn’t just about making beats but learning the craft. But he later realized that learning music theory was going to make him a real producer. By 2023, I had started taking production more seriously, determined to carve out my own space in the industry,” Juni said, adding that his breakthrough came when he reached out to Ish Kevin, a well-known figure in the Rwandan hip-hop scene. “I didn’t expect him to reply, but he did. He told me to join Trappish Records, and that was the beginning of everything.” ALSO READ: Wait, Jugumila and top releases of 2024 It was from Trappish Records that Juni Quickly began working on mixtapes and albums, steadily building a name for himself, until he made his debut major project, ‘Young and Dangerous’, followed by 'Redemption', a mixtape that further showcased his unique sound and ability to fuse old-school vibes with new-school waves. But, according to the young producer, this is just the beginning as he eyes to expand his music reach and get to the international market. “I want to bring something new to the table,” he says. “I want to work with more upcoming artists, producers, and even directors. I want my music to go global.” Inspired by Simon Servida, a Toronto-based beat maker and producer who makes tutorials online, Juni has already worked and produced for established rappers. He is the brains behind ‘Haos i Galama’ by Serbian female music star Ivana Boom Nikolic, Ish Kevin’s ‘No Body’ as well as ‘Addiction’, ‘Imandwa’ by Hollix among many others.; ALSO READ: Five hip-hop producers that crafted hits of 2023 Looking ahead Juni Quickly’s vision extends beyond just creating music but inspiring the next generation of producers. “I want young producers to know that anything is possible. If I can do it and so can they,” he told The New Times. Looking ahead to 2025, Juni aims to release a number of ‘exciting’ projects and continue to push the boundaries of Rwandan hip-hop. “My goal is clear. I want to make a mark not just locally, but internationally, spreading the sound of Rwandan hip-hop to the global stage, He added. Juni’s previous works and future ambitions make him stand out not just as a talented producer, but as a key figure who promises to undoubtedly influence the future of Rwandan music that the whole music scene should keep an eye on.
