In an exclusive interview with InyaRwanda, Twizzy Boy opened up about how his departure for studies in India impacted Tuff Gang, the renowned Rwandan hip-hop group. He revealed that while he was away, his fellow members Bull Dogg, Green P, and Jay Polly kept the group's momentum alive, contributing to their success in the local music industry.
Tuff Gang was established in the summer of 2007, rooted in the bond and shared ambition of its members to create impactful hip-hop music. The founding team consisted of Twizzy Boy, Jay Polly, Bull Dogg, and Green P, with instrumental support from Producer Lick Lick, who was attending Saint André alongside Bull Dogg.
Twizzy Boy recalled early discussions about naming the group. Initially, they considered "Santa Sai-Ras," but Bull Dogg felt it didn’t capture their vision. Ultimately, Jay Polly and Bull Dogg suggested "Tuff Gang," inspired by the essence of old-school hip-hop.
“Santa Sai-Ras” translates to "Saints or leaders sent to Earth to bring peace and light to God’s people," highlighting their initial idea of representing a transformation-oriented hip-hop group infused with spiritual strength.
At the time, Twizzy Boy was enrolled at SFB University in Gikondo and earned a scholarship to pursue studies in India. He shared, "In 2008, I went to study in India. Yves joined me later, leaving Tuff Gang in the capable hands of the other members."
His departure left a significant emotional void within the group, particularly for Jay Polly, who openly expressed sorrow over losing a talented rapper and even shed tears upon Twizzy Boy’s exit from Rwanda.
Reflecting on this decision, Twizzy Boy explained, "I had completed school and could dedicate time to supporting the group. I had the resources to fund concerts and events. But the scholarship was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I had to leave. It was hard on my groupmates."
According to Twizzy Boy, Producer Lick Lick played a pivotal role in solidifying Tuff Gang’s foundation, assembling artists for projects and guiding their musical growth.
Twizzy Boy also reflected on the group’s early passion for hip-hop, which was often met with skepticism from their families. He revealed, "Our commitment to music led parents to question our actions. But we were passionate, and everyone played their part in forging Tuff Gang."
Prior to leaving for India, Twizzy Boy collaborated with Bull Dogg and Jay Polly on the song "Tell Me," produced by Lick Lick. After his departure, P-Fla joined the group, seemingly taking his place. Twizzy remarked, "P-Fla joined when I left. It's as if he replaced me."
Despite his absence, Tuff Gang continued to grow, eventually emerging as one of Rwanda's most recognized hip-hop groups.
Twizzy Boy noted this era also saw the rise of artists like Faycal ‘Kode,’ Dream Boys, The Ben, and Meddy, who were making significant strides in the Rwandan music scene.
Even though Twizzy Boy was not actively involved with Tuff Gang after leaving, he expressed pride in his contributions to its inception and praised his bandmates for maintaining and growing the group's legacy to this day.
Twizzy Boy disclosed that his departure from Tuff Gang was driven by his academic ambitions to pursue higher education in India.
Tuff Gang’s creation in 2007 was spearheaded by Jay Polly, Bull Dogg, Green P, and the influential Producer Lick Lick.
Twizzy Boy revealed how his departure deeply affected fellow group members, particularly Jay Polly.
P-Fla joined Tuff Gang shortly after Twizzy Boy left to study in India.
Twizzy Boy reminisced about how their parents disapproved of their early passion for hip-hop music.
Producer Lick Lick was instrumental in guiding and producing music for Tuff Gang, significantly aiding their success.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH TWIZZY BOY, ONE OF TUFF GANG'S ORIGINAL MEMBERS