Rwandan rapper Elijah Ntare Shema, popularly known as The Dice Kid, continues to make waves with his introspective lyrics, genre-bending sound, and unapologetic authenticity.
Whether performing live, crafting verses in the studio, or connecting with fans online, he embodies a new generation of Rwandan artists determined to push creative boundaries.
In a recent appearance on IGIHE Culture's vibrant entertainment series Hooks & Jabz, The Dice Kid opened up about his journey as an artist, his growth, and the values that guide his music. Candid and grounded, he reflected on how it all began at the age of 16.
For him, music has never been just a career; it's a calling.
'I want to lay a foundation for future artists in Rwanda's fresh music industry,' he shared.
His name, like the many sides of a dice, reflects his diverse interests in music, fashion, film, and storytelling, all of which come together to form his artistic identity.
The Dice Kid's latest body of work, Infinity Pack, created in collaboration with Eers, dives deep into themes of peace, love, patience, and kindness, virtues he says are essential in navigating life's never-ending journey.
One of the standout tracks, 'Luckily Unlucky,' has resonated strongly with fans. It's an honest reflection on navigating hardship and remaining grounded in the face of adversity.
'It's about the journey, the highs and lows,' he explained, capturing the emotional core of the song.
Another hard-hitting track, 'Salty Rappers,' addresses hypocrisy, jealousy, and industry toxicity. With sharp lyricism and spiritual insight, he confronts fake alliances, chasing fame, and the loneliness that can come with success.
Creative process
When it comes to making music, The Dice Kid is all about energy. He prefers a minimal, mood-driven studio setup of LED lights, solitude, and just the beat to guide him.
'Crowded studios kill the vibe,' he noted, favouring a focused, organic creation space.
Working closely with elite local producers like Khabib, Juny Quickly, and Kuba, he builds most of his tracks from scratch, blending traditional hip-hop sounds with soulful, afro-fusion, and alternative influences.
He also shared the albums that shaped his sound: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City by Kendrick Lamar, Bad Hair by Nasty C, 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole, and Graduation by Kanye West. With confidence, he added Infinity Pack to the list, believing it will leave its mark on Rwanda's musical history.
Kigali roots and real-life wisdom
Off-stage, The Dice Kid embraces life in Kigali, his city, his muse. A fan of genuine conversations and hangouts with close friends, he highlighted his favourite chill spots like Three Chaps, Buns, and Gate 10, where creative energy and good vibes flow freely.
In the interview, he spoke with humility and clarity about success, growth, and consistency. He encourages emerging artists to stay grounded, ignore noise, and value even the smallest wins.
'Appreciate every single win. Consistency makes you a master,' he shared. 'Celebrate getting 400 monthly listeners the same way you'd celebrate 40,000.'
His philosophy, rooted in self-awareness and spiritual growth, sets him apart in a music industry often driven by trends and instant fame.
From the beat to the message, from style to soul, The Dice Kid is doing more than entertaining; he's inspiring. Whether it's through his raw lyrics, carefully curated visuals, or his thoughtful interviews, he continues to raise the bar for what Rwandan hip-hop can be.
Watch the full interview below:
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/entertainment/article/the-dice-kid-talks-life-music-and-staying-true-video
