In past years, Bushali was one of the leading figures of the MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival. He performed across multiple provinces, offering Rwandans thrilling musical experiences through his unique tracks infused with the spirit and legacy of Kinyatrap—a revolutionary genre redefining rap culture in Kinyarwanda.
The MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival stands as one of Rwanda's premier music events, bringing together renowned artists and promising newcomers, allowing them to interact with their fans across the nation.
In an exclusive interview with InyaRwanda, Bushali avoided elaborating on the conversations between stakeholders about his absence from the lineup. However, he acknowledged that the decision was aimed at spotlighting emerging artists.
He said, “I don’t think there were any discussions about it, but I assume it was based on the fact that we have been consistent with Iwacu Muzika Festival for quite some time. It’s normal; there comes a time when other artists should be given the same opportunities we once had.”
Bushali clarified that it wasn’t a setback or negligence towards him but a strategic move to showcase the talent and potential of fresh music creators. “One has to give way, and I think it’s not a bad thing. We can't always hear the same things or continue to exclusively feature Kinyatrap. We need to provide opportunities to other upcoming artists as well,” he added.
This year’s festival lineup features King James, Riderman, Bull Dogg, Juno Kizigenza, Ariel Wayz, Kivumbi King, and Nel Ngabo—all recognized for their chart-topping hits and anticipated crowd-pleasing performances at the event.
Though absent from this year’s MTN Iwacu Muzika Festival, Bushali hasn’t stepped away from his musical endeavors. He is actively working on new songs, collaborations, and public performances. Additionally, he is gearing up for the highly anticipated "Music in Space" concert set for August 23, 2025, at Camp Kigali.
Discussing his goals, Bushali shared his strong desire to continue promoting Rwandan culture through modern music built upon traditional cultural values.
On stage at Gen-Z Comedy, Bushali mesmerized fans before addressing his absence from the Iwacu Muzika Festival lineup. 
While missing from the Iwacu Muzika Festival 2025 roster, Bushali continues to dedicate himself to advancing Kinyatrap music, a genre he champions with unmatched consistency. 
He wowed the audience during his performance at Gen-Z Comedy, demonstrating his unwavering focus on music, even as he provides space for rising artists at this year’s festival. 
“We are still here”—Bushali reminded fans through his electrifying Kinyatrap performance at Gen-Z Comedy.
