For the first time ever, celebrated artists Khalfan and Jay C join forces on a single song, despite each boasting over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry.
In an exclusive interview with InyaRwanda, Khalfan described this collaboration as one of the most thought-provoking projects of his career. The song, titled "We Made It," reflects his musical journey alongside other notable artists.
This revelation came after the release of the song's impactful music video on the evening of Friday, May 16, 2025. The track, already resonating deeply with listeners, is being hailed as a profound message of hope and resilience.
In Khalfan's words: “Marina is a close friend of mine, and Jay C is not only a friend but also my mentor in music. Our first collaboration was back on the song ‘Agaca’ by Tom Close, which later inspired the creation of ‘We Made It.’ It’s similar to how Lil Wayne and Eminem came together for ‘Drop the World’ and then reunited for ‘No Love.’ Our musical paths have intertwined in a similar way."
Khalfan also commended Marina’s skill as a vocalist, describing her as one of the most exceptional artists when it comes to delivering choruses. He highlighted her powerful voice and unmatched energy, which elevate their collaborations.
This isn’t Khalfan's first project with Marina. He has previously collaborated on several hits, including “Sicyayi,” “I Can Fly,” “Igikumwe” (featuring Marina, Massamba Intore, and Tom Close), “Ampayinka,” and “Tap and Go” (with Afrique), among others. These experiences paved the way for their synergy in "We Made It."
According to Khalfan, the song carries a deep, emotional story about overcoming obstacles in the music industry. He explained: "We faced countless challenges as the world doubted us, but time and perseverance brought stillness to the storms."
In addition to its personal undertones, the song reflects on Rwanda’s history, particularly its rise from the darkness of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi to a journey of unity and reconciliation.
Khalfan added: "The transformation Rwanda has undergone is beyond belief. No one could have imagined where we are today. We've overcome unthinkable adversity, and we will never allow ourselves to go back to that period. Rwanda endured genocide while the world looked on, doing nothing. This song reminds people to strive for self-reliance and protect the progress we’ve achieved."
Through this collaboration, Khalfan, Jay C, and Marina prove that music with meaningful messages holds significantly more weight than songs created solely for entertainment.
Khalfan shared that his song "We Made It," featuring Jay C and Marina, symbolizes Rwanda’s collective effort to heal and thrive following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
Khalfan revealed that Tom Close’s song "Agaca" was the inspiration behind his decision to collaborate with Jay C on this meaningful project.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR "WE MADE IT" BY KHALFAN, MARINA, AND JAY C