Celebrity Watch: Rafiki

Born in the Northern Province of Rwanda, local artist Rafiki Mazimpaka can be referred to as the face of local music. He started singing in 2005, but released his first hits like “Icyaro” in 2006, quickly followed by other hits like “Igitwenge”, “Igikosi” and “Igikobwa”, which were a mixture of comical lyrics and great afro beat. The singer quickly became famous, and won many awards including PAM and Salax. He left his group, in which he sang with some of today’s hit-makers, like Platin (of the Dreamboys) and Kamichi of the “Zubeda”. He introduced a special style, which is more or less the classical afro beat, which he named “Coga”. It has since become one of the most popular genres in the Rwanda industry, because fans regard it as home made. His live music performances make him a great artist too. He does it as good as continental stars, like Dbanj or P-Square. The “Igikosi” star often attributes his success to his early producer, Jay-P and singer Miss Jojo; their collaborations, “Tukabyime” and “Dange D’amour” became some of the hits of all times. His next dream is becoming an international artist. As a newcomer in the industry, he performed in Jamaica, on a promoter’s ticket. He also sung alongside regional stars, Proffessor J and Dr Chameleone. PSquare also had interests of recording a song with him, when they were in the country. He is also in the Primus Guma Guma competitions. If he wins, he will have a chance of recording a song with Caribbean star, Sean Kingston, and possibly live his dream- there he goes. Ends