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Draft:Ish Kevin

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Ish Kevin (born 1994), known by his stage name Semana Kevin, is a Rwandan rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the emerging drill music scene in Rwanda[citation needed] and is known for his versatility across various music genres. He gained widespread recognition for his contribution to the new wave of hip hop, particularly the drill subgenre,[1] and is celebrated for his lyrical talent and genre-blending style.

Early Life and Career

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Ish Kevin was born in Rwanda in 1994. Growing up in Rwanda, he developed an interest in music at a young age. His artistic journey began with a focus on hip hop, which led him to experiment with different styles and sounds. Ish Kevin became widely known for his ability to blend drill with local Rwandan musical influences, drawing attention both locally and internationally.

Breakthrough and Recognition

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In 2021, Ish Kevin gained national recognition when he placed second in The Next Pop Star[2] competition, finishing behind Jazmine Kibatega, who won the contest. This exposure played a key role in establishing him as one of Rwanda's rising musical stars. A highlight of his career came in 2023 when he met Rwandan President Paul Kagame,[3] a moment that marked a significant milestone for the young rapper and his growing influence.

Music Career and Albums

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Ish Kevin's breakthrough track, No Cap, is widely regarded as one of the best drill songs of 2023, earning acclaim from outlets like GRM Daily. The success of No Cap helped elevate Ish Kevin's profile, leading to a sold-out headlining concert in a stadium setting. His album BST, released on September 21, 2023, marked another important chapter in his career. The title of the album, BST[4] (Blood, Sweat and Tears), reflects the personal and professional challenges that Ish Kevin has overcome. The album features 10 tracks, showcasing his lyrical dexterity and his ability to tackle diverse themes, from boasting about his success in songs like Kill'em Wit It to addressing deeper topics such as mental health in Addictions. The album includes collaborations with notable artists, both local and international, and features lyrics in French, Swahili, English, and Kinyarwanda. Ish Kevin has released over 16 albums and 35 songs throughout his career, with some of his most popular tracks including Amakosi, Tugende, Babahungu T.M.A, and Toto Mtosso. His music has gained a strong following on social media platforms, where his tracks regularly trend and accumulate large numbers of streams.

Influence and Legacy

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Ish Kevin's influence extends beyond his music, as he has become an important figure in the Rwandan music scene and in the broader African hip hop community. His lyricism has been recognized with nominations, such as in the Galsen Hip Hop Awards[5] in Senegal. Ish Kevin's genre-blending style and his contribution to the drill genre have made him one of the leading voices of the new generation of Rwandan artists.

Personal Life

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Ish Kevin has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health, often addressing these issues through his music. His openness has garnered support from fans and has contributed to his reputation as an artist who uses his platform to advocate for mental well-being.

Discography

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  • BST (2023)
  • Amakosi (Single)
  • Tugende (Single)
  • Babahungu T.M.A (Single)
  • Toto Mtosso (Single)

Collaborations

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Ish Kevin has collaborated with several notable artists, including Yannick MYK, Bruce 1st, and Ririmba.

Awards and Nominations

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  • Galsen Hip Hop Awards: Nominated for recognition in the category of Best Lyricist (Senegal, 2023)

References

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  1. ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (June 23, 2021). "The rise of Drill music in Rwanda". The Newtimes.
  2. ^ Shyaka, Andrew (March 18, 2021). "Karaoke queen Jazmine Takes Home Rw50m Jackpot as 'The Next Popstar' Winner". KT Press.
  3. ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (October 23, 2023). "It's a huge motivation for young rappers: Ish Kevin on meeting President Kagame". The Newtimes.
  4. ^ Clark, Msia Kibona (December 19, 2023). "BST by Rwanda's Ish Kevin (Album Review)". The Hip Hop African.
  5. ^ Gatera, Emmanuel (October 13, 2021). "Two Rwandan artistes nominated for Galsen Hip-Hop Awards 2021". The Newtimes.