Rwandan Artist YewëeH Introduces Afrogakondo to Global Audiences

E Monthly News Contributor

By: Sarah Summer

When YewëeH talks about music, it is with the calm conviction of someone who knows he is building something that did not exist before. The Rwandan singer, producer, and performer has created an entirely new genre, afrogakondo — a fusion of traditional Rwandan rhythm, modern Afrobeat, and Afropop. His mission is simple but ambitious: to take that sound from Rwanda to the world stage.

Born in Rubavu and raised in Kigali, YewëeH grew up surrounded by community music and faith. His earliest performances were in the church choir, where he learned to sing and play instruments. When finding producers became difficult, he decided to teach himself production software. “I started with FL Studio and then moved to Logic,” he says. “What began as necessity turned into passion.”

That mix of persistence and creativity became his signature. It is what carried him from a small village studio to international venues such as the City of Dreams Nobu Hotel Casino in Manila, where he performed to a global crowd of fans and diaspora communities celebrating African sound.

A New Sound from Rwanda

Afrogakondo is more than a style; it is a statement. Drawing from traditional Rwandan melodies and percussion, YewëeH weaves in modern Afrobeat grooves and digital production to create something both rooted and futuristic. His songs Siba, Mubigori, and Igikumwe each highlight a different side of the sound — soulful, percussive, and deeply emotional.

He has already collaborated with some of East Africa’s biggest names, including The Ben, Bruce Melodie, Eddy Kenzo, and Otile Brown, building bridges across the region’s diverse music scenes. “This is about more than music,” he explains. “It’s about making sure our culture is heard.”

Rwandan Artist YewëeH Introduces Afrogakondo to Global Audiences — Photo Courtesy: YewëeH

A Journey of Faith and Focus

Music began as an act of faith for YewëeH and remains deeply tied to his spiritual grounding. “I stay motivated by praying, staying focused, and remaining humble,” he says. “I’ve learned to accept opinions from others without letting them distract me, and I lean on trusted people like my family and my team for support.”

He is quick to credit others for his success. Among those he singles out is his executive producer, Sir Max Konan of Koko Productions. “An artist signed under his label heard my songs and brought them to him. Max listened and immediately connected with what I was creating,” he recalls. That moment marked a turning point — the start of a professional relationship that has since introduced YewëeH’s sound to a broader international audience.

The Birth of a Name

In his Authority Magazine interview, YewëeH shared the unexpected story of how his stage name came to be. “I was in the studio as a second producer, and some artists jumped in, hyping the song and shouting ‘Yewe, Yewe!’ over and over,” he laughs. “At first it was just fun, but then I realized that word carried excitement and greatness in our culture. I didn’t have a stage name yet, so I decided to take it and make it my brand.”

The name stuck — and today, it represents a movement. Fans across Rwanda and East Africa shout “Yeweeh!” at live shows as both greeting and rallying cry.

Building Afrogakondo

YewëeH’s creative process is grounded in intention. “My best ideas come when I’m calm and inspired,” he says. “I listen to music, reflect, and often draw stories from friends or everyday life. The best music comes from shared energy and trust in the studio.”

His upcoming single, Dizaya, and his nearly completed album mark the next evolution of his craft. Each track carries pieces of his journey — faith, family, cultural pride, and a quiet defiance against limitation. While he writes and produces his own material, he also works behind the scenes for other African artists, helping shape a regional sound that blends authenticity with innovation.

Lessons from the Climb

Even as his profile grows, YewëeH remains reflective about the lessons learned along the way. He often tells emerging artists that talent alone is not enough. “Music isn’t easy,” he says. “You can spend months on a song and still not know how people will receive it. Success takes time, patience, and consistency.”

He also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. “Not everyone is genuine,” he admits. “I’ve learned to stay focused and work with those I truly trust. Having mentors and a supportive label is invaluable.”

Those lessons, he says, are what keep him grounded as he navigates the industry’s challenges. “Your brand and name carry responsibility,” he adds. “You have to protect them.”

Representation and Reach

To YewëeH, diversity in music is not a marketing trend — it is the foundation of culture. “When diverse stories are shared, audiences gain insight into different ways of life,” he says. “It helps break down stereotypes and strengthen understanding.”

He believes representation matters because it allows new generations to see themselves reflected in art. “When a kid in Rwanda hears afrogakondo, they see that our culture belongs on the world stage,” he says.

His music embodies that mission. Every lyric, rhythm, and collaboration tells a story about identity and connection. That authenticity has drawn attention not just from fans but also from producers and festivals eager to showcase his sound abroad.

Balancing Art and Life

With a growing catalog and international opportunities on the horizon, YewëeH has learned to protect his time and energy. “Balancing a busy music career with personal life requires planning,” he says. “I make sure to rest, stay organized, and surround myself with supportive people who help me stay grounded.”

That sense of discipline, paired with humility, defines his approach to both music and life. “Even when things get difficult, I remind myself why I started — to share something meaningful with the world.”

The Road Ahead

As he finalizes his next projects, YewëeH’s vision remains clear: to elevate afrogakondo into a globally recognized sound. With each performance, release, and collaboration, that goal feels closer.

From a church choir in Rwanda to an international stage in Manila, his journey reflects both cultural pride and creative freedom. In a musical landscape increasingly defined by fusion, YewëeH stands out not for chasing trends but for creating his own.

Afrogakondo may have begun as a local experiment, but under YewëeH’s guidance, it is becoming something much larger — a soundtrack for resilience, joy, and identity that speaks a universal language.