Rwanda’s music scene is thriving, with artists interesting audiences through their unique sounds and compelling narratives. These musicians have built devoted fan bases by consistently delivering high-quality work that resonates with listeners.
Over the years, Rwanda’s music industry saw a growth on digital platforms, thanks to the artistes who are pushing their art and growing YouTube subscriber counts marks the artistes’ work expanding influence and the universal appeal of their artistry.
We rounded up the top six Rwandan artistes with the most YouTube community
Israel Mbonyi – 1.47 million subscribers
The gospel singer’s music distribution had significantly increased at pace over the years mostly since he decided to sing in other languages, especially Kiswahili, expanding his ministry’s reach to other East African countries. You might as well call him people’s favorite (gospel) singer given his substantial following on YouTube, numerous awards and multiple sold-out concerts in and outside the country, which hasn’t been done with any Rwandan artist.
The singer is also among the top two artists with the most viewed songs on this platform. His song ‘Nina Siri’ ranks second among Rwanda’s most viewed songs on YouTube with more than 63 million viewers. Gospel music lovers seem to relate to his music and his art’s impact has been witnessed throughout the countries like Kenya and Uganda where he sold out concerts.
Meddy – 1.43 million subscribers
Before switching to gospel music in 2023, Meddy was already a big figure in Rwanda’s music and outside, thanks to his numerous hit songs that went beyond the nation. His song ‘Slowly’ holds a record as Rwanda’s most viewed on YouTube with 106 million views. His songs were able to broaden his fan base and was regarded by many as ‘the king’ of Rwanda’s music industry given that the numbers speak for itself and no one has since to reach them.
Fans may have found it difficult to adapt to Meddy’s new gospel melodies but it hasn’t stopped his recent song ‘Niyo Ndirimbo’ from becoming a massive hit. There was some speculating that the singer might flop given that he had won hearts of many in his love songs, but his subscribers continue to rise even now he is just doing gospel music.
Ambassadors of Christ Choir – 1.29M
Ambassadors of Christ, a seventh Day Adventist choir, is among, if not, the most famous choir in Rwanda. They have won admiration of the whole East African region with their overwhelming songs mostly composed in Kiswahili.
The choir’s main task to preach messages of hope and comfort to God’s people winning their hearts back to God has been achieved for almost 29 years since they were established. Their most viral song is “Nimekupata Yesu,” and it is ranked among the most viewed Rwandan songs on YouTube with 35 million views with 1.29 million subscribers on the platform.
Papi Clever and Dorcas – 770,000 subscribers
Since joining the music industry, renowned gospel duo Papi Clever Tuyizere and his wife Dorcas Ingabire had witnessed a significant rise of their fan base. The couple started off singing numerous songs from the Gospel Book of songs in their living room which by the way is widely known by many people especially those who grew up in church.
Their angelic voices are the best compilation you would definitely go to listen to, of course if you are a Christian. Their original songs undoubtably grew the duo a big number of fans who were captivated by their lyrical genius and mostly the message they shared.
Bruce Melodie – 652,000 subscribers
Bruce Melodie is the only secular musician to feature in the top 5 and his modern take on Afrobeat and R&B has earned him a significant following on YouTube. With 647,000 subscribers, his channel is a go-to destination for fans of contemporary Rwandan music.
Bruce Melodie not only makes hit songs that cross borders, he also collaborates with big musicians in the industry. Shaggy, Joeboy and former Sauti Sol lead member Bien Aime are the most recent global stars to have collaborated with the ‘Katerina’ hitmaker and that has widened his fan base streaming the singer’s music.
Chriss Eazy – 404,000 subscribers
Rounding out the list is Chriss Eazy, whose 401,000 subscribers tune in for his unique blend of musical styles. His growing popularity on YouTube indicates a bright future for the singer who has only been in the industry for less than five years.
What the singer has accomplished in such a short time is quite impressive looking at all his songs becoming mega hits in and outside the country. His music does not just influence grownups but also children who are captivated by the rhythms and dances from his music.
