On September 1, 2025, Rwandan rap sensation Ish Kevin took a major leap in his music career by signing a historic deal with Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s leading music conglomerates headquartered in the United States.
In an exclusive interview with InyaRwanda, Ish Kevin described signing with UMG as a transformative chapter in his journey, promising groundbreaking opportunities and international collaborations for his fans.
“It’s about landing major gigs,” Ish Kevin stated. “Get ready for world-class music, whether in East Africa, across Africa, or globally. This is just the beginning; new music is coming.”
Renowned for his punchy and captivating ‘Drill Rap’ style, Ish Kevin shared that his partnership with Universal Music will provide a crucial platform to expand his artistry, enabling collaborations and connections with international markets.
He recently appeared at “The Silver Gala,” an event hosted by the acclaimed international choreographer Sherrie Silver. Ish applauded Sherrie’s efforts in empowering others through her talent, expressing that “It’s truly remarkable.”
Since captivating listeners in 2021 with high-energy tracks like “Amakosi” and “No Cap”, Ish Kevin has consistently demonstrated unparalleled dedication to his craft. Notably, No Cap garnered international recognition by landing on GRM Daily’s highly regarded list of “7 Hard Drill Tracks from Around the World.”
As a dynamic and multilingual artist proficient in English, Swahili, French, and Kinyarwanda, Ish Kevin has positioned himself as a true cultural ambassador, highlighting Rwanda’s rising stature on the African and global music scenes.
Universal Music Group, a globally renowned music powerhouse behind top-tier acts like Taylor Swift, Drake, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, BTS, and many others, has been expanding its footprint in Africa. The label’s dedicated East African branch aims to nurture regional talent, providing artists with international exposure and professional collaboration opportunities.
“This marks the beginning of a new musical era for me,” Ish Kevin stated. “I’m incredibly excited to work with Universal Music Group as we bring Rwandan music to audiences around the globe.”
The rapper has high expectations that this deal will enable him to secure international projects and elevate his presence beyond Rwanda.
“Prepare for international achievements,” Ish Kevin confidently stated, anticipating the global reach this partnership will bring.
With his roots in the ‘Trapish’ music genre and his eye set on global domination, Ish Kevin hopes to solidify his status as one of the brightest new talents from East Africa.
“It’s about securing major opportunities,” Ish reiterated while discussing the value of his deal with UMG.
Having laid his foundation with energetic, genre-defying beats, Ish Kevin is now embarking on a bold new chapter designed to resonate with fans worldwide.
“It’s truly remarkable what can be achieved when patriotism meets talent,” Ish reflected, praising Sherrie Silver’s inspiring work to uplift communities.
Driven by a passion for music and a commitment to elevate Rwandan artistry, Ish Kevin’s partnership with Universal Music Group underscores his ambition to amplify the country’s voice on the global stage.
Ish Kevin exemplifies the new wave of artists rewriting Rwanda’s musical story, determined to leave an indelible mark on the world’s music charts.