A press release issued on Monday, September 1, 2025, confirmed the exciting news that Ish Kevin—a talented musician, songwriter, and performer—has officially signed a partnership deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) East Africa. This groundbreaking collaboration is designed to elevate his music career and introduce his unique sound to audiences worldwide.
Expressing His Excitement
Ish Kevin shared his joy about this milestone, stating, "Signing with UMG is not just a big step for me, but it’s also monumental for my culture. It signifies that our voices, stories, and efforts are earning global attention. This partnership validates that African narratives, especially those from Rwanda, have a space in global conversations."
Universal Music Comments on the Collaboration
Chinasa Udeala, Managing Director of Universal Music Group East Africa, applauded the partnership, saying, "I am thrilled to welcome Rwandan rapper Ish Kevin to UMG East Africa. His ability to engage the youth through his music positions him as a vital voice for urban music in Rwanda." She continued, "This collaboration represents a significant leap for East African hip-hop and Rwandan music as a whole. Through this partnership, Ish will showcase his exceptional talent to the world."
Rise to Fame
Ish Kevin burst onto the scene in 2021 with hits like “Amakosi” and “No Cap.” The latter track earned recognition on GRM Daily’s “7 Hard Drill Tracks from Around the World,” solidifying him as a rising star in Rwanda’s music industry.
His Multilingual Talent
Known for his versatility, Ish Kevin raps fluently in multiple languages, including English, Swahili, French, and Kinyarwanda. This ability has established him as one of Rwanda’s leading artists, committed to transcending borders and amplifying Rwandan sounds on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
Discussing his future plans, Ish Kevin said, "Innovation is my driving force. Signing with UMG allows me to share Rwanda’s rich musical heritage with the world, all while staying true to my roots." He added, "Fans can anticipate game-changing collaborations, impactful storytelling, and music that brings people together beyond boundaries. This is a journey toward growth, aiming to solidify Rwanda and East Africa's place on the international music map."
Following the success of his debut album, "Blood, Sweat, and Tears," Ish Kevin has hinted at exciting new projects set to release soon under UMG East Africa. His move marks the beginning of a fresh chapter, joining an elite roster of artists, including Ariel Wayz.
Ish Kevin embarks on this monumental journey, signing with UMG East Africa—a major step for his career and Rwandan culture.
Through his partnership with UMG East Africa, Ish Kevin is ready to place Rwandan Drill Rap on the world map.
Ish Kevin is determined to share his unmatched talent with fans worldwide.
Signing with UMG is a bold step toward positioning Rwanda on the international music arena.