East African Promoters (EAP), the team behind Rwanda’s biggest summer festivals, officially unveiled that renowned rapper Bull Dogg will join the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival 2025 lineup. The announcement on Tuesday, June 25, 2025, marked the rapper’s debut at the celebrated festival, which enters its sixth year.
Bull Dogg, famous for chart-topping hits like "Cinema" and "Kaza Roho", takes to the MTN stage after fans rallied on social media for his inclusion. This move highlights his growing demand among Rwandan music enthusiasts.
Reports reveal that Bull Dogg replaces fellow artist Kevin Kade, who is unable to participate due to commitments with the Rwanda Convention USA 2025. The convention, which connects Rwandans abroad for music-based networking and exhibitions, clashes with Kade’s availability for the festival.
Now stepping in, Bull Dogg joins this remarkable musical journey that features Rwanda’s brightest talent engaging fans nationwide.
The MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival 2025 commences on July 5 in Musanze District before heading to Gicumbi (July 12), Nyagatare (July 19), Ngoma (July 26), Huye (August 2), Rusizi (August 9), and wrapping up in Rubavu on August 16.
The festival’s primary goal is to bring music closer to Rwandans across all regions while fostering artist-fan connections. It promises to be a summer spectacle for music lovers.
Here’s the impressive lineup of performers:
- King James – A pioneering R&B artist with over two decades in the industry.
- Riderman – A celebrated rapper with major accolades including the Primus Guma Guma Award.
- Ariel Wayz – A soulful singer with enchanting R&B tunes.
- Juno Kizigenza – A youth-centric artist marking five successful years in the music scene.
- Nel Ngabo – Known for meaningful songwriting and lyrical depth.
- Kivumbi King – A modern Hip Hop artist blending African and urban vibes.
- Bull Dogg – The newest addition who will take his artistry to every corner of Rwanda.
Rapper Bull Dogg, born Ndayishimiye Mark Bertrand, has championed Rwanda’s Hip Hop genre for over 15 years. Rising to fame in the late 2000s, his career breakthrough came through collaborations with the Tuff Gang collective. His hits like "Umunsi w’imperuka", "Nk’umusaza", and "Pay Attention" paved his path to becoming a household name.
His music features powerful themes around everyday life, youth education, social equity, and constructive critiques of societal governance. He is revered for redefining Hip Hop as a platform for impactful messages, distancing it from negative stereotypes of aggression.
The inclusion of Bull Dogg in the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival is a thrilling highlight for Hip Hop fans across Rwanda. His participation gives audiences in remote areas a rare chance to see him live, as he predominantly performs in urban centers.
This summer-long festival takes place every Saturday, offering free admission to attendees. It presents a unique opportunity to celebrate music, connect fans with artists, and enjoy Rwanda’s vibrant cultural sounds in an electrifying atmosphere.
Bull Dogg is fully prepared to wow the crowd at the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival 2025.
Over the years, Hip Hop lovers have frequently requested Bull Dogg’s appearance at festivals, making his inclusion a dream come true for many.