It’s rare to see emerging record labels putting young emerging artists at the forefront of their investment targets. However, the new management line, Infoatasi, is changing the status quo by empowering its young talents and turning them into the next big stars of Rwanda and beyond.
Less than a year in the Rwandan music market, the record label has played a significant role in its only two artists, Kevin Kabaka and Rlutta, who are showing signs of taking home-produced music to another level.
Who are the two promising talents signed to the label?
Kevin Kabaka Giraneza, 21, popularly known as Kabaka, is a new Afro-fusion artist with two hit tracks to his name since stepping into a recording studio three years ago.
Talking to SENS Magazine, the youngster said he drew his music inspiration from his father, a big pop music fan. For instance, Kabaka explained that during his junior high school days, he could come home to his father and jam to some of Micheal Jackson’s classics like ‘Will You Be There’ and ‘Beat It’.
He also explained that he listened to other genres of music including hip hop and the then-emerging Afrobeats, drawing inspiration from local acts like Riderman and the late Jay Polly.
“I was exposed to music at a tender age, always updating my playlist with the hottest records in town, until I felt the need to be part of the industry too. In 2020, this came to life, and I’m not looking back until I make it,” said Kabaka.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the young kid jumped on the Daniel Trust challenge, a digital music competition launched to urge Rwandan citizens to stay at home through music and freestyling on beats. Little did he know that the small challenge was a bridge to his stardom.
Kabaka shares the same story with his label mate Alice Lambert Rutayisire, aka Rlutta, who equally rose to fame after coming second in the first edition of the ”#danieltrustchallenge’ in 2020.
In January 2021, the singer launched a solo career with Arnaud Kenny music’s track ‘Tunavibe’ before producing a series of singles and her first extended play (EP) ‘Phases’.
Rlutta’s music journey has been one of smooth sailing so far. She clued us into how she is eyeing the global scene through the new management she secured earlier this year.
The young artiste joined Infoatassi record label, which produces and distributes her projects, in January 2024, a move she describes as “game-changing” for her music career.
She has already produced her first track, ‘A Moment of Silence’ under the label, which she says is very personal as it marks her journey of leaving toxic situations and embracing growth.
“The new management is a breath of fresh air. They’re on board with my style – always a bit unpredictable – and they really support my creative freedom. We’re looking to drop more music rather than going on the road for now. But expect some surprises along the way as we’re planning to shake things up and keep things fresh,” she said.
Rlutta also noted that fans can expect unexpected sounds and new vibes from her future project and that ‘A Moment of Silence’ is just the beginning.
“I am exploring new sounds and ideas that will definitely keep everyone on their toes. Get ready for a summer full of it. It’s going to be an experience,” the artist said.