Riderman (rapper)

Riderman
Background information
Birth name Emery Gatsinzi
Born 1987 (age 28–29)
Kigali
Origin Rwanda
Genres Hip-hop, rap
Occupation(s) Rapper, musician
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2006-present
Associated acts UTP Soldiers

Emery Gatsinzi, better known by his stage name Riderman, is a Rwandan musician and rapper. The artist has released four full-length studio albums as of 2013 under his label Ibisumizi in partnership with his producers, T. Brown, First Boy and Fazzo.[1]

History

Early years

Gatsinzi was born in 1987[2] to father Etienne Rukwavu and mother Peruth Kantetere. He was the first of five children[3] born into the devout Christian family. His mother and sister both were gospel singers and Gatsinzi would commonly join them in singing gospel and praying before sleeping. He enjoyed music and poetry writing from an early age, and after attending a Lucky Dube concert at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali he was inspired to combine these talents to begin performing as a hip-hop artist.[2]

Musical career

Gatsinzi formed his first group, UTP, in 2006.[2] Afterward he formed a band called Soldier with two other teenage boys, performing as the group's lead singer before embarking on an independent career and releasing his first solo album on 28 December 2009.[3]

Diverse artists inspired Riderman's style and musical taste. In childhood the artist's greatest influences were Rwandan musicians such as Jean-Christopher Matata, Benjamin Rutabana and Kidumu. In later years he became an admirer of such foreign hip-hop and rap acts as Tupac Amaru Shakur, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne and Diam's.[2] Riderman has performed with many of the major international acts that have played in Rwanda, including Sean Paul, Lauryn Hill, Mr Flavour, Elephant Man, Koffi Olomide, Brick and Lace, Sean Kingston, D'banj and Shaggy.[2]

Marriage

On July 26, 2015, the rapper Riderman and Miss Nadia Agasaro whom he had been dating for some time were officially married in Kagarama. At first their affair was a secret until rumours started appearing through newspapers and social media but they finally decided to take the step. Nadia who is now expecting the rapper's child is a graduate from Mount Kenya.[4]

Other activities

Gatsinzi has been a prominent advocate for development of the music industry and the professionalization of musicianship as a profession in Rwanda. Remarking the lack of sponsorship to support new musical acts, in 2012 he offered free use of his recording studio to ten underground hip-hop acts and invited them to perform with him on his tour of Rwanda that year.[5]

Alongside his musical career, Gatsinzi is also working toward completion of a degree in Tourism Management at Rwanda Tourism University College.[2] Prior to this, he studied at Kigali Independent University.[3]

Awards

In 2008,Riderman won his first Salax Award as the best Hip hop Artist in Rwanda,In 2010 his album won best album of in the year in Salax,in 2011&2013 Riderman won the Salax Award - the Rwandan equivalent of the Grammy-like pan-African Kora Awards - for Best Rapper.[2] In August 2013 he won the first place prize of 24 million Rwandan Francs ($40k) in Primus Guma Guma Super Star, an annual televised talent competition organized by Rwanda's largest brewing company, Bralirwa.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Ngoboka, Ivan (16 January 2013). "Riderman to launch fourth album next month". New Times. Rwanda. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mbabazi, Linda (17 April 2012). "Hip-hop runs deep in Riderman's blood". New Times. Rwanda. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 "Rider Man: A sober upcoming rapper". New Times. Rwanda. 2009. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  4. ↑ Bizimungu, Julius (25 July 2015). "Riderman marries beauty queen". New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 15 May 2016.
  5. ↑ Mugoya, Grace (21 October 2012). "Riderman gives upcoming artistes a hand". New Times. Rwanda. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  6. ↑ Ndushabandi, Charles (11 August 2013). "Riderman Wins Rwanda Talent Search". New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
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