The legendary hip-hop crew Tuff Gang, one of the pioneers of the genre in Rwanda, is reuniting for a highly anticipated performance at the ‘Icyumba cy’Amategeko’ concert, set for Saturday, August 24, at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village.
Crew members Bull Dogg, Fireman, the late Jay Polly, and Green P, who haven’t shared the stage in years, are planning a powerful reunion to entertain hip-hop fans. The concert will be headlined by Bull Dogg and Riderman, another prominent Rwandan rapper and lyricist.
This event will celebrate the collaborative Extended Play (EP) “Icyumba cy’Amategeko” by Bull Dogg and Riderman and will also feature performances by emerging artists from Rwanda’s hip-hop scene.
Other notable performers confirmed to grace the concert include Bruce the First, B-Threy, Ish Kevin, Bushali and Kenny K-Shot, who all grew up listening and drawing inspiration from Tuff Gang.
Bulldogg expressed his confidence about the turnout of the upcoming concert, saying that this is a gift to hip hop audience in the country.
“We’ve been in this industry for a long time and have seen it all,” he said adding, “Anyone in the rap game will tell you we’re not doing this for the numbers; it’s for the love. So, no matter what, we’re going to give the best show possible.”
Tickets for the event are available at www.maafrica.rw or via MoMo Pay (113355). Early bird tickets are priced at Rwf 10,000 for regular seats, Rwf 20,000 for VIPs, and Rwf 30,000 for VVIPs.
“Icyumba Cy’Amategeko” EP, which premiered on May 30, quickly became an internet sensation. Bulldogg and Riderman, both hailed as pioneers of Rwandan hip hop, have maintained their status as some of the most consistent artists in the industry.
Their longevity is often attributed to steering clear of the troubles that plagued many of their peers, such as incarceration associated with drug abuse.
About Tuff Gang
Tuff Gang, with the help of renowned producer Lick Lick, pioneered street hip-hop and the gang lifestyle of Kigali back in 2008.
In mid-2009, the media developed a row with the Tuff Gang accusing them of drugs and violent behaviour. This almost brought the group’s career to a close as their music was not aired at that time.
In 2015, Tuff Gang parted ways and every rapper embarked on a solo career, making some of the crew members successful like late Jay Polly and Bull Dog.
P-Fla, Fireman, and Green P became notorious for being in and out of prison and rehab over drug abuse. The tension led to the deadliest ‘beef’ on Rwanda’s hip hop scene and made members of the crew release back-to-back diss tracks against other rappers.
Tuff Gang released more than 20 songs collectively including ‘Amaganya,’ ‘Kwicuma,’ and ‘Gereza’ among others, all of which continued to be aired on the radio despite the crew breaking up.
