In an insightful interview with InyaRwanda, prominent Rwandan rapper Fireman strongly emphasized that “competition” has no place in the music industry. According to him, rivalry among artists only breeds misunderstanding and shifts focus away from true talent and creativity.
"Competition in itself is shameful," Fireman stated. "No! Competing means living with someone you're opposing, yet there's really no rivalry. Instead, it's all about working together and supporting each other. The word 'competition' shouldn't exist in music—it's about collaboration, lifting each other up, and embracing healthy challenges."
He further explained that unhealthy rivalries rely on the success of others, while healthy challenges motivate artists to work harder in mutual respect for shared growth and artistic excellence.
The rapper highlighted three critical pillars for a successful career in Rap: deep thought, creative songwriting, and delivering messages that resonate with the audience. He asserted that in the Rap genre, an artist’s legacy is defined by the significance of their message and its positive impact on society, not by boastful or confrontational lyrics.
“Personally, I draw inspiration from traditional Rwandan poetry and self-praise like the warriors used to,” Fireman explained. "In Rap, we think, write, and deliver meaningful messages. It's deeply embarrassing when you write with no impact, but incredibly rewarding when your thoughts and words help others. That’s what makes an artist proud of their creation."
Fireman remarked that true artistry stems from actions that benefit fans and strengthen the music community. For him, music is a channel to contribute to the growth of Rwandan culture and inspire positive change in society.
With 15 years of experience under his belt, Fireman earned his reputation as a pioneer of culturally infused Rap, blending deep lyrics with traditional Rwandan storytelling and poetry. Recently, his focus has shifted more towards modernizing ancient Rwandan poetry and self-praise, which he believes has helped him mature as an artist.
Reflecting on his journey, he confidently stated that Rap as a genre should not be a battleground for conflicts or animosity among musicians. Instead, it should be a realm for talent cultivation, peer-to-peer education, and producing high-quality music that fans can enjoy.
In his message, Fireman passionately encouraged his fellow artists to embrace unity and collaboration, as these are essential for the long-term growth and international recognition of the industry. He firmly believes that societies and music that thrive on rivalries are less likely to progress and reach their full potential.
This message is especially relevant for young people in the Rap culture, where disputes and derogatory exchanges often overshadow creativity and innovation. Fireman also emphasized the media's role in shifting this narrative and encouraging positivity within the industry.
"Let me give you an example," Fireman stated. "If you are a journalist, ask yourself: what positive impact will this story have on the person I'm writing about? Or what negative consequences will it bring to them or society? The art industry is falling behind because destructive stories are being prioritized. But as journalists, you hold the power to change this—for the better."
Fireman denounced rivalry among artists, insisting that music should be built on teamwork and inspirational messages.
"Competition is shameful, collaboration brings pride" — Fireman encourages respectful challenges for artistic growth.
Fireman was among the key performers at the recently held Papa Cyangwe concert, which took place on November 22, 2025, at Kigali Universe