In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the artist, whose real name is Kenny Rulisa, opened up about his musical journey, his disciplined daily routine, and the passion that keeps him going.
Kenny's love for music ignited early. Influenced by American hip-hop legends like Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Drake, he started rapping in English as a child, often mimicking lines without fully grasping their meaning, but thriving on the beats and rhythms.
At just 14, he wrote his first lyrics, some even drawing from gospel music, and teamed up with his friend Getts Kent to form the duo Dope Crack.
Their big dream? To put Rwandan music on the global map.The duo marked their debut with a single released on February 2, 2016, when Kenny was 17, officially launching his career.
While Getts Kent later moved to Canada to chase his own path, Kenny stayed rooted in Rwanda, honing his craft in the emerging kinyatrap genre, a raw blend of trap beats, hip-hop flows, and Kinyarwanda lyrics that pulses with the energy of his homeland.
Since then, Kenny has dropped an impressive body of work: albums, EPs, mixtapes (including his standout project Intare), and hard-hitting tracks that reveal his resilience and storytelling prowess.
Songs like "King Kong," "Ntiwamvamo," and "I Gotta Go" showcase his powerful voice, mixing catchy beats with profound lyrics on life's struggles, triumphs, and complexities.
Kenny's energetic performances have graced major stages across Rwanda, from Youth Connekt and Trapish Concerts to Taiki Life and Kigali Fiesta, where he has shared the stage with international stars and left crowds electrified.
Yet, beyond the spotlight, Kenny leads a grounded, disciplined life that keeps him balanced and inspired.
A typical day begins at the gym with a rigorous workoutâ€"chest and arms one day, back the next, legs after that.
For him, fitness is more than aesthetics; it's about mental sharpness and long-term health.'I want to be fit when I'm old,' he laughs. 'I don't want a big tummy, I want to stay young forever.'
This routine boosts his energy, sparks creativity, and supports a healthy, productive lifestyle.Next, he hits the pool for a swim, a recent addition he loves for staying in shape and learning a lifesaving skill.
'You never know,' he jokes, 'your home might be flooded.' Diving in gives him a profound sense of freedom, leaving him refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
No day feels complete without a quick supermarket run for snacks and essentialsâ€"a simple slice of normalcy in his rising-star world. Then, it's time for a wardrobe refresh: getting custom-fitted gear that matches his vibe.
Style is central to Kenny's expression; his outfits reflect his identity and message. Finally, he heads to the studio, where the real magic unfolds.
After gym, swimming, shopping, and styling, he channels everything into his music. Creating isn't always smooth, though.
He acknowledges the emotional toll of artistry, reliving past pains to craft authentic lyrics. But that's what he cherishes most: being unapologetically real.
Fame brings challenges, like losing anonymity on the streets, but he embraces it fully.
"That's what I prayed for," he says. Reflecting on his path, Kenny has sage advice for his younger self at 14: 'Keep going. Not everyone is your friend, but persistence pays off.'
Rania Umutoni
