According to Ishimwe Clement, this album has been in the works for quite some time, and although it is not yet fully finished, he has begun releasing some of the songs. “Bella” is the first of ten tracks that will make up the album, and he plans to release the rest soon.
The album will contain ten songs, although the full list of featured artists has not yet been disclosed. Ishimwe Clement said it is still too early to reveal all the collaborators but assured that nearly all the talented artists he admires will be part of the project.
“I can say they are all well-known and established artists,” he added.
While Ishimwe Clement is still contemplating whether to organize a launch concert for the album, he is confident that he will have released all the songs by the end of this year.
Ishimwe Clement began his music career in 2006. Initially recognized for his instrumental skills, he eventually transitioned into becoming a renowned producer.
Apart from producing for various artists, he founded KINA Music record label, where he has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including Butera Knowless, King James, Dream Boys, Tom Close, Igor Mabano, Nel Ngabo, and other rising stars such as Zuba Ray.
Ishimwe Clement begins releasing songs from his album to celebrate 20 years in music.
In a recent interview with Hot 97 FM in New York City, Starr praised the trio for their contributions to the genre. She highlighted Savage as the pioneering female force, Wizkid as the embodiment of global success, and Rema for his innovative sounds that continue to push Afrobeats in new directions.
“My Afrobeats Big 3 would be Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Rema. My solid Big 3,” Starr said.
Notably, her selection excludes Davido and Burna Boy, who are often cited alongside Wizkid as part of the traditional Afrobeats Big 3.
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayra Starr has rapidly become one of the leading faces of the global Afrobeats movement. Since her debut in early 2021, she has transitioned from a viral social media sensation to a multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated artist, establishing herself as a major force in the music industry.
Her 2022 hit “Rush” became a global anthem, accumulating over 300 million streams on Spotify and becoming the first solo song by a female Nigerian artist to chart on the UK Singles Chart.
She also earned a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, making her one of the youngest Nigerian female artists to receive the honour. Her sophomore album, The Year I Turned 21 (2024), marked the first time a female Nigerian artist debuted on the Billboard 200.
Starr, who refers to herself as a “Celestial Being”, has become a cultural icon for Africa’s youth. Known for her Y2K-inspired fashion, bold style, and unapologetic attitude, she seamlessly blends Afrobeats, R&B, Soul, and Alté in her music. Her versatile alto voice allows her to switch effortlessly between English, Nigerian Pidgin, and Yoruba.
Born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe in Cotonou, Benin, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Ayra Starr has rapidly become one of the leading faces of the global Afrobeats movement.Ayra Starr during her debut performance in Kigali at the Giants of Africa in August 2025.
The verdict was delivered on March 11, 2026, in the Los Angeles Superior Court, following a civil trial in which Tony Saxon, the plaintiff, claimed that West did not pay him the agreed‑upon compensation and unjustly fired him during the renovation of the $57 million property. Saxon had originally sought $1.7 million in damages for unpaid wages, medical costs, and other claims, but the jury awarded a much smaller amount.
According to court testimony, Saxon was hired in 2021 to act as a project manager and handyman for the extensive remodel of the Malibu house. He alleged that he was promised $20,000 per week for his work but received only one weekly payment and approximately $100,000 for construction costs despite continuing to work on the project for several weeks. Saxon also claimed he endured unsafe working conditions, was forced to sleep on the floor of the home, and sustained neck and back injuries while on the job.
During the trial, Saxon’s lawyers argued that he was not fully compensated for his work, was fired after raising safety concerns, and suffered injury without proper protection. They described challenging conditions at the job site and maintained that Saxon was unjustly terminated.
West’s legal team, however, contested many of Saxon’s claims. They argued that Saxon was an unlicensed contractor and not a full employee and that financial records showed he had received about $240,000 for his work. West’s attorneys also denied that the conditions described by Saxon warranted the larger damages sought.
In delivering a mixed verdict, the jury found West liable for certain claims related to injury but rejected most of the more serious allegations, such as wrongful termination and unpaid wages. As a result, Saxon was awarded $140,000 specifically for medical expenses and injury‑related compensation, significantly less than the amount he had originally requested.
In addition to the $140,000 award, West may also be required to pay Saxon’s attorney fees and court costs, which could push the total financial responsibility above $1 million, according to statements from Saxon’s legal team.
Kanye West ordered to pay $140,000 in Malibu mansion renovation lawsuit.
Tom Close shared the story during a talk he gave at ‘Citylight Foursquare Church’ on March 10, 2026. The session was held under the theme “Balancing fame and Christianity,” and he appeared alongside gospel singer Israel Mbonyi.
Speaking during the event, Tom Close recalled that while he was still in primary school he admired President Kagame deeply and often played his role in school drama performances.
He noted that although many children today look up to fictional characters such as Spider-Man and Superman as their heroes, things were different when he was growing up.
“For children today, Spider-Man and Superman are their superheroes,” he said. “But when we were young, the Inkotanyi were our superheroes. I often say this jokingly: when I was still in primary school, I liked acting in plays where I played the role of the Vice President and Minister of Defence, Paul Kagame.”
He added that at one point, when he was still very young, he wrote a letter addressed to Kagame and asked his mother to pass it on to him.
“I remember going to where my mother worked and giving her the letter so she could deliver it,” he said.
Tom Close did not disclose what he had written in the letter, nor whether it ever reached the president.
The artist also shared that while many musicians chase fame and wealth, his childhood dream was much simpler: to make music until President Kagame knew who he was.
“Growing up, I always felt that if one day I learned that he knew me and considered me a good artist, that alone would be enough, even if I stopped there,” he said.
According to Tom Close, this dream influenced the way he approached his music career. He said it pushed him to produce songs that would protect his reputation, believing that one day President Kagame might hear and appreciate his work.
Tom Close appeared alongside gospel singer Israel Mbonyi during the talk delivered on March 10, 2026.Rwandan singer and medical doctor Muyombo Thomas, popularly known as Tom Close has recalled writing a letter to President Kagame during his childhood.
The ruling had been delivered by Kicukiro Primary Court on February 27, 2026.
The court explained that Ishimwe François Xavier had videos on his phone showing Yampano and his wife engaging in sexual activity, which he distributed in WhatsApp groups. This act was considered a crime of distribution.
The court also stated that Kwizera Nestor, who had requested the videos from Yampano and then shared them with Kalisa John, was guilty of distribution as well.
As for Kalisa John, the court ruled that, although he only requested the videos and showed them to others without directly distributing them, his actions still constituted a crime.
Meanwhile, the judge noted that Djihad owned a platform with 989 people, where the videos of Yampano were shared. Although Djihad was not the original source of the videos, he provided the platform through which the crime was facilitated.
The court further emphasized that Djihad had taken a screenshot of a portion of the video and posted it on his WhatsApp status, using it in conversations, which further indicated his intent.
The court ruled that Djihad, Nestor, and K John were guilty of distributing pornographic material.
The judge reminded the accused that they had 30 days to appeal the decision.
Djihad and Nestor, currently held at the Nyarugenge Correctional Facility, have already appealed the decision, seeking acquittal of the charges.
The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has accepted their appeal, but no date has yet been set for the hearing of their appeal.
Djihad and co-accused have appealed three-year sentences.
Authorities say the suspect, 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, was apprehended nearby shortly after the incident and is currently in police custody with a $10.2 million bond. Formal charges are expected to be filed by prosecutors.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that multiple gunshots were fired at the couple’s residence in the upscale Beverly Crest neighbourhood around 1:15 p.m. local time on Sunday. Fortunately, Rihanna, 38, A$AP Rocky, 35, and their children were unharmed. Initial reports indicate that the shots may have been fired from a parked vehicle.
Police recovered an AR-15-style rifle and several shell casings at the scene. While authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive, Ortiz’s arrest followed a swift investigation by local law enforcement.
Representatives for Rihanna and A$AP Rocky confirmed that the couple is safe and focusing on their family. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about the security of high-profile individuals in affluent neighbourhoods.
The Los Angeles Police Department has vowed to continue its investigation and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that multiple gunshots were fired at the couple’s residence in the upscale Beverly Crest neighbourhood around 1:15 p.m. local time on Sunday. Fortunately, Rihanna, 38, A$AP Rocky, 35, and their children were unharmed.
Only one day after King James released “Ndi Uwawe,” Bolingo Paccy, who produced the track and also contributed to writing it, reported the song to YouTube, requesting its removal. He said the decision was made because some of the agreements reached during the production of the song were not respected.
The dispute also affected another song, “Ndagushaka,” which King James had recently released in collaboration with Muttima. Bolingo Paccy used his studio, UB Studio Rwanda, to file a complaint about this song as well.
Although Bolingo Paccy has not publicly detailed the exact nature of the disagreement with King James, he told IGIHE that the songs were removed because they were released without respecting the terms previously agreed upon.
“It’s true that I am the one who had them removed. There were things we had agreed on that were not respected. I kept trying to remind them that those agreements needed to be followed, but they didn’t do so. So I relied on the copyright protection rules on YouTube to have the songs taken down,” he said.
When asked whether he had discussions with King James’ team before the songs were removed, Bolingo Paccy explained that they contacted him only after the songs had already been taken down.
“They called me, and I connected them with people from the team I work with because I was very busy. I will try to find time to talk with them so we can see what can be done,” he added.
Meanwhile, as King James’ management team works on finding a solution to the issue, the artist is continuing preparations for a major concert scheduled for August 1, 2026, where he plans to celebrate 20 years in the music industry.
When attempting to play the song “Ndi Uwawe,” a notice appears indicating that the video has been removed following a claim filed by Bolingo Paccy.For the song “Ndagushaka,” a notice indicates that the video was removed following a copyright claim filed by UB Records Studio Rwanda, the studio owned by Bolingo Paccy.The latest development comes as King James prepares to celebrate 20 years in the music industry.
According to media reports, the incident happened on Sunday afternoon when a woman allegedly fired several gunshots toward the singer’s home while Rihanna was inside the property.
Authorities said the suspect fired multiple rounds from a vehicle parked across the street from the house. Reports indicate that between seven and ten shots were fired, with at least one bullet striking a wall of the mansion.
Police officers quickly responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire and later arrested a 30-year-old woman in connection with the shooting. However, authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or revealed the motive behind the attack.
Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty, was reportedly inside the house at the time of the incident but was not harmed. It is still unclear whether other members of her family were present.
“No injuries were reported in the incident… Officers responded to an ‘assault with a deadly weapon’ call and were able to locate a suspect and take them into custody without further incident,” Police Sgt. Jonathan de Vera, a spokesperson for the LAPD, told reporters.
The mansion is located in the upscale Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles, where the singer owns property. Police say investigations are ongoing as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Gunshots were fired at Rihanna’s residence in Los Angeles, but the singer was not injured.Police quickly arrived at Rihanna’s residence and secured the area.
In a message shared on X on March 8, the Head of State highlighted the resilience, leadership and innovation of women, noting that inclusive societies are essential for national progress.
“Happy International Women’s Day! Today and every day, we celebrate the foundational role women continue to play in Rwanda’s transformation. Your resilience, ingenuity and leadership continue to affirm a simple truth: a nation can only truly progress when inclusion and equality are upheld in every sphere,” he wrote.
Earlier, First Lady Jeannette Kagame also joined the global community in celebrating women, urging them to prioritise their wellbeing and continue advocating for themselves and others.
In her message on X, the First Lady encouraged women to embrace self-care, define their boundaries and protect both their physical and mental health.
“I urge you to carve your character carefully, define your boundaries, advocate for yourselves and other women and girls, and protect your physical and mental health. And please, love yourself with the same gentleness you give others – the same gentleness you wish and deserve to experience from the world,” she wrote.
Observed annually on March 8, International Women’s Day recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. The day also serves as a global call to accelerate gender equality and address persistent challenges such as the gender pay gap, violence against women and underrepresentation in leadership.
In Rwanda, the occasion is marked by celebrations recognising women’s contributions to families and national development, alongside initiatives promoting empowerment and gender equality.
The country has made notable progress in advancing women’s participation in politics. Women currently hold 63.75 percent of seats in Parliament, up from just 12 percent in 1996, making Rwanda the country with the highest proportion of female parliamentarians globally in 2026.
The origins of International Women’s Day date back to early 20th-century labour and socialist movements in North America and Europe. In 1908, about 15,000 women marched in New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and voting rights, which led to the first National Woman’s Day in 1909.
Two years later, in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the idea of an annual International Women’s Day, which was first celebrated in several European countries in 1911. The day gained further prominence after women in Russia staged the “Bread and Peace” strike in 1917, an event that helped pave the way for women gaining voting rights.
In 1977, the United Nations officially recognised March 8 as International Women’s Day, cementing its status as a global observance dedicated to women’s rights and world peace.
President Paul Kagame during a past International Women’s Day event. On Sunday, March 8, 2026, he joined global celebrations of the day, praising the vital role women continue to play in shaping Rwanda’s development and transformation.
The forum, themed “Your Health. Your Choice. Your Future,” was held on Saturday, March 7, at BK Arena and brought together students aged 15 to 20.
The event focused on discussions about health, consent, and responsible decision-making.
It was organized by Global Citizen in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth and Arts, Imbuto Foundation, Health Development Initiative (HDI), and other stakeholders.
Designed as an interactive session, the forum aimed to equip young people with accurate information on sexual and reproductive health while encouraging open conversations in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Batamuriza spoke about the importance of recognizing the value of their current stage in life and using it wisely.
“You must first be a child before becoming an adult. Life has stages, and young people should recognize the opportunities they have today while they are still young. A time will come when they are no longer young, so they must make the most of the opportunities available to them now,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of making wise choices early in life.
“Young people must understand that the choices they make today will follow them into adulthood and shape the kind of parents and elders they become. They should reflect on the temptations that may mislead them, set clear values, and make decisions that guide them toward a better future,” Batamuriza added.
She noted that the lack of safe spaces for young people to access accurate information often drives them to rely on social media and other unreliable sources, exposing them to misinformation and increased vulnerability.
Batamuriza stressed that platforms like the youth forum provide reliable information, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
“Dialogue about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships empowers young people to make informed and responsible decisions. Knowledge builds confidence, and confidence helps young people protect their health, respect one another, and pursue their ambitions,” she concluded.
The forum is part of the activities surrounding Move Afrika, an initiative by Global Citizen aimed at promoting the creative economy and creating jobs through large-scale music events across Africa.
Ifeoma Chuks-Aduzeo, Managing Director for Africa at Global Citizen, thanked Rwanda for its key role in bringing the initiative to life.
“We want to thank the Rwanda Development Board for their continued support in bringing the Move Afrika vision to life,” she said.
This year’s edition will be headlined by Grammy Award-winning artist Doja Cat and will begin in Kigali on March 17 before heading to Pretoria on March 20.
According to Chuks-Aduzeo, Move Afrika is part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s creative economy and create employment opportunities for young people.
Since its start in 2023, the initiative has created about 2,500 jobs, with that number expected to grow as the concept expands to more countries.
She added that Move Afrika aims to position African cities as part of the global touring circuit, potentially stimulating tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
During the forum, participants engaged in panel discussions on consent, healthy relationships, and emotional well-being.
Health professionals and youth representatives answered questions about recognizing pressure in relationships, setting boundaries, and accessing youth-friendly health services.
Bernice Ineza, a 19-year-old student and one of the panelists, emphasized the importance of consent in everyday life.
“One of the key lessons we learned is that consent is something we should apply in everyday situations. For example, if someone asks for a picture or asks to do something you are not comfortable with, you should feel confident to say no, and that no really means no,” she said.
The event also featured a musical performance by Kivumbi King.
Organizers stated that such youth-focused engagements aim to reduce stigma around health conversations, improve awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights, and encourage responsible behavior among young people.
Panelists share valuable insights on youth health, relationships, and empowerment at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventLeaders and youth unite at the Global Citizen Move Afrika event, empowering the next generation.Kivumbi King brings the energy, entertaining the youth at the Global Citizen Move Afrika eventIphie Chuks-Adizue, Global Citizen’s Managing Director for Africa, praised efforts to empower young people in Rwanda during the Global Citizen Move Afrika event
