The meeting took place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during which Vex Prince presented to the minister several achievements from his music career, including competitions and concerts he recently performed in Côte d’Ivoire while representing Rwanda.
During their discussion, the artist revealed that he is preparing a large-scale music festival scheduled for August 2027. The event is expected to focus on promoting Rwandan music and elevating it to the international stage.
Minister Dr. Utumatwishima assured him of the Ministry’s support, just as it supports other Rwandan artists. However, he also advised the singer to pay close attention to protecting his intellectual property. The minister encouraged him to officially register his songs and always seek permission from fellow artists before reproducing or using their work.
Vex Prince is among the Rwandan musicians increasingly building an international reputation. He works closely with KOKO Productions, an artist management and production company based in the Unites States.
In recent months, he released several songs including Wahala, produced by Cole M.G.N, a renowned U.S.-based producer who has won six Grammy Awards.
Vex Prince recently expressed strong confidence in his international music journey. He stated that although The Ben and Bruce Melodie remain hugely popular within Rwanda, he considers himself to currently be leading Rwandan music on the international scene.
He made these remarks on April 19, 2026, upon arriving at Kigali International Airport from Côte d’Ivoire, where he had just completed two major concerts that attracted large audiences.
The first concert took place at YELAM’S on April 16, 2026, while the second was held at Palais de la Culture – Salle Lougah François on April 17, 2026. According to the artist, both events were highly successful and tickets sold out early.
The concerts coincided with MASA Africa, an international festival that brings together artists from across Africa and attracts thousands of music lovers. Speaking about the performances, Vex Prince said:
“They were my own concerts, but they happened during MASA. Everything went very well because I performed in two arenas—one with a capacity of 1,800 people and another with 2,500—and both were completely full.”
This was not his first time performing in Côte d’Ivoire, as he has now held concerts there more than four times. He says those experiences have helped him build a strong fan base in the country. According to the artist, his focus on international markets comes from the greater opportunities they offer for growth and global recognition.
“That’s where I have a very large audience. I like focusing on international music markets because that’s where I promote my work. It’s also why I perform major concerts abroad that attract huge crowds.”
His debut album, Levitation, released in 2025, features 12 tracks including Wahala, Laler featuring Fior 2 Bior, Bad Energy, Make You Mine, Holy Water, Lalala, Swear, Normally, Money featuring Dorty, Somebody, Turn Up and Bad Energy (Acoustic).
The artist, who is also known for his energetic stage performances, is currently working on his second album, which has already been introduced by the single Falling produced by Element Eleéeh.
He revealed that he is also working on visuals for his new songs and prefers not to rush releasing his music because he wants every project to compete on an international level.
Vex Prince Meets Minister Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima Over Planned 2027 Music Festival
Vex Prince is among the Rwandan musicians increasingly building an international reputation
Vex Prince is also known for his energetic stage performances, is currently working on his second album