Chaka Fella had thrilled fans by announcing the release of his debut album, "Birakaze ku Mihanda," for May 1, 2025. Yet, challenges arose, which delayed the launch until May 30, 2025. The setback stemmed from an unexpected incident: the theft of his YouTube channel. Determined to ensure integrity and authenticity, Chaka refused to unveil the album until the channel was recovered.
During an interview with InyaRwanda, Chaka recounted, “A man rarely shows tears, but this was a tough experience. My channel was stolen only three weeks before the album’s planned release date, which I had already announced. I had no choice but to delay everything to get it back and do it the right way.”
The rapper revealed that his YouTube channel disappeared shortly after a television appearance and urged fans to remain patient. Although he refrained from immediately addressing the theft publicly, Chaka disclosed that the decision stemmed from a desire to minimize disruptions, especially since his close collaborator, Zeo Trap, also faced similar challenges within their label.
A Brotherhood in Kavu Music
Chaka shared, “Zeo Trap chose to make his situation public, but I didn’t. We’re part of the same family at Kavu Music, and it didn’t feel right to use such incidents for album promotion. That’s just not who I am.”
The recovery of his channel required collaboration with Slim Jesus and global efforts spanning different countries, involving intense investigations and sleepless nights. Chaka detailed, “I was lucky because my channel wasn’t exploited much, unlike Zeo Trap’s. His was used for live events that attracted over 80,000 viewers.”
An Album Rooted in Street Life
Chaka Fella’s much-awaited 15-track album, "Birakaze ku Mihanda," beautifully narrates his life’s struggles and triumphs, reflecting his connection with Hip Hop. Tracks include “Ntabwo nicaye,” “Ntako Ntagira,” “Bigoye,” “Nahinduye Ibara,” “Birakaze ku Mihanda,” and collaborations like “Hondamo” featuring Zeo Trap and “Top Chief” featuring Bwiru Majagu.
Drawing from his experiences growing up in Nyamirambo, within Nyarugenge District, Chaka indicated that life on the streets profoundly shaped his creativity and Hip Hop roots. “This album compiles the stories from my hardships and aims to resonate with others who’ve faced similar struggles,” the 24-year-old artist explained.
Collaboration Through Music
Chaka teamed up with Zeo Trap and Bwiru Majagu for select tracks, showcasing the family dynamic within Kavu Music. The label also supports talents like Dondada and Mr Kiswahili. “Zeo Trap was my close friend before he became an artist. Kavu Music is more than a label; it’s family. Music connected us even deeper and brought powerful results to our collaboration,” Chaka emphasized.
Chaka Fella acknowledged how the theft of his YouTube channel hindered the scheduled release of "Birakaze ku Mihanda."
The album intricately captures his life experiences and unites listeners by addressing shared challenges.
Chaka’s journey was shaped by deep life conflicts, including growing up without knowing his father and meeting him only at the age of 18—a significant turning point in his narrative.