Ish Kevin, a Rwandese drill rapper, was revealed as UMG. The New Signing for EA

The well-known Rwandese rapper, songwriter, and producer Ish Kevin has joined Universal Music Group East Africa (UMG EA). With this arrangement, Rwanda’s top hip-hop artist, Ish Kevin, will have new opportunity to collaborate on commercially successful music and push the boundaries of the international music industry.

Ish expressed his joy about the new contract he signed with Universal Music Group EA, saying it was a significant step for Rwandan culture and his native country.

“Joining UMG is a significant move for the culture as well as for me. It implies that our stories, our energy, and our sound are now heard around the world. It’s evidence that African voices, particularly those from Rwanda, have a place in the global dialogue,” he said.

UMG EA General Manager Chinasa Udeala commented on the newest addition, saying, “I’m extremely proud to welcome Rwandan hip-hop star Ish Kevin to UMG East Africa.” His genuineness strikes a deep chord with young people, making him a prominent figure in the nation’s urban music landscape. For Rwandan music in general and East African hip-hop in particular, this marks a significant turning point. Ish is prepared to showcase his indisputable skill to the globe in collaboration with UMG East Africa.

Ish’s meteoric climb in the music business started in 2021 with hits like “Amakosi” and “No Cap,” the latter of which was included in GRM Daily, a major UK platform for urban music,’s “7 Hard Drill Tracks from around the World.” Being fluent in English, Swahili, French, and his native Kinyarwanda, Ish has cemented his stellar reputation as a multilingual rapper. Ish is credited for pushing boundaries and bringing the Rwandan sound to a worldwide audience as one of the leading lights of the new generation of Rwandan musicians.

“I’ve always supported pushing the envelope. He says, “I wanted to take what we’ve been building locally and share it with the world, while still staying true to where I come from,” which is why he signed with UMG.

“Look forward to increasingly extensive partnerships, compelling narratives, and music that transcends national boundaries. Ish reiterates his goals, saying, “It’s about growth, but also about putting Rwanda and East Africa on the map in a new way.”

Ish is prepared to take the spotlight by storm after the success of his debut album, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears.” He has a number of exciting new ventures planned in the wake of this amazing achievement.

Ish Kevin (born 1997), whose true name is Semana Kevin, is a Rwandan rapper, songwriter, and businessman who has become a major player in the current hip-hop and drill scenes in East Africa. He founded the label and movement Trappish Music, which supports a new generation of Rwandan musicians who combine multilingual lyrics in Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili with trap, drill, and traditional sounds.

Ish Kevin, who was once linked to the Kinyatrap movement, carved out a niche for himself with Trappish Music, focusing on themes of celebration, youth empowerment, and aspiration rather than the grim street stories of his forebears. Both the energetic song “No Cap” and his breakthrough single “Amakosi” (2021) had over a million views, with the latter being named one of the “7 Hard Drill Tracks from Around the World” by GRM Daily.

Ish Kevin’s highly regarded album BST (Blood, Sweat & Tears) was published in 2023. It combined traditional Rwandan elements, such as samples of Kwivuga singing and the Inanga instrument, with contemporary drill. He released the reflective EP Semana the next year, which examined both musical aspirations and personal development. His 2025 hit “Africa Rise,” which honors solidarity, resiliency, and cultural pride, further cemented his standing as a pan-African voice.

Ish Kevin, who was named one of Africa’s top 12 rappers by The Native in 2021, is still influencing Rwandan hip-hop with his music, partnerships, and guidance of up-and-coming musicians.

Ish Kevin formally signed with Universal Music Kenya (UMG Kenya), a significant regional label within the Universal Music Group, as of July 2025. On that day, he released his first single with them, “Gutsinda II,” which is distributed by Universal Music Kenya Limited.