Cornwine

What began as a documentary series on the kinyatrap scene featuring @b.threy evolved into a major production: an album bringing together sixteen of the best producers & singers from Rwanda. Recorded in Kigali between 2024 and 2025, the +250 album was initiated in the heart of Kigali’s @mundi_center . It was in this former shopping mall, now a fixture of Kigali nightlife - transformed for a handful of weeks into an ephemeral studio - that the pool of producers and musicians brought out a new sound, one turned towards its traditional heritage with a bold, contemporary edge. The second stage in the creation of +250’s album took place in the heart of a hotel, transformed entirely for the occasion into a recording studio built from scratch. It was here, that American producer @roarkbailey got down to business. The grammy nominated producer brought his own eclectic sense to the +250 album: “I approach each track as a unique project, explains Roark. I applied my methodology, while letting the collective dimension of the project express itself. +250 is a completely one of a kind album!” ——— Ce qui n'était au départ qu'un documentaire sur la scène kinyatrap avec B-Threy s'est transformé en une production d'envergure réunissant les producteurs et artistes les plus influents issus de la scène rap de la capitale rwandaise. Enregistré à Kigali entre 2024 et 2025, l’album de +250 a été initié au cœur du centre culturel Mundi Center. C’est dans cet ancien centre commercial transformé une poignée de semaines en un studio éphémère – que le pool de producteurs et de musiciens a fait émerger un nouveau son. Le second volet de la création de l’album de +250 s’est tenu au cœur d’un hôtel, transformé intégralement pour l’occasion en un studio d'enregistrement fabriqué de toutes pièces. C’est là, que le producteur américain Roark Bailey est entré en piste : « pour cet album, j’ai déployé ma méthodologie, tout en laissant la dimension collective du projet s’exprimer. +250 est un album complètement hors-format ! » Album cover by @michielrobberecht Special thanks to @ifrwanda @ambafrancerwanda @aubintoutcourt , @vidou_h , @hilel____________ , @wearenuda Listen via link in bio

Happy Labour Day from the Cornwinees.

The making of +250 Pt. 3 - Rwanda to the world. When Grammy-nominated producer @roarkbailey joined the process, his role was not to redefine the sound, but to help +250 sharpen and elevate what was already there: the richness, originality, and sonic identity Rwanda has to offer, shaped by years of experimentation across artists' individual journeys. This time, it was intentional. We brought traditional musicians into the studio, dug deeper into Rwanda’s native sounds for inspiration, and came together in a studio residency to create collectively and lay it all down.

The making of +250 Pt. 2. Badmon is a perfect example of what this project is about: collaboration. Bringing together Bushali, B-Threy and Angell Mutoni, the track blends Kinyatrap energy with dancehall bounce and the wider sound of Rwanda’s hip hop scene. That’s the spirit behind +250 and Abiri Nitanu. Different artists, different sounds, one collective vision pushing the culture forward and already reaching tastemakers and stages across Europe. Badmon is out now. Link in bio.

The making of +250 Pt. 1. As we get closer to the release of the Abiri Nitanu album, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at the project. Built by 9 producers and 10 artists, it’s packed with creative energy. Dr Nganji and Barick talk about how it started, while Nikita reflects on the journey. This is just the beginning.

“Kiki” with @angellmutoni.rw @nikitaheaven1 and @slum_drip out now 🎧 Album on the way.

“Kiki” with @nikitaheaven1 @angellmutoni.rw and @slum_drip out now 🎧 +250 time to reconnect

“Kiki” with @slum_drip @nikitaheaven1 and @angellmutoni.rw out now +250 on the move

Rwanda has always had a rhythm — in our homes, our gatherings, our fashion, our joy. From Orchestre Impala, Massamba, Cécile Kayirebwa, to family igitaramo, weddings, house parties, and community celebrations — our music has soundtracked generations. Cornwine, in collaboration with Storyhouse, invites Rwandans at home and in the diaspora to help us tell this story. 📸🎥 We’re looking for personal, candid archives: • Old photos or videos from concerts, celebrations, and family gatherings • Moments shaped by Rwandan popular music and tradition • Images that capture the fashion, spirit, and nostalgia of the time • Everyday memories — not polished, but real If music ever lived in your home, your camera roll, or your family albums — this is your moment. ✨ Selected submissions will be featured in our upcoming docu-series Soundtrack, honoring our shared cultural memory and bringing generations together. 📬 Send your photos, videos, posters, or memorabilia to: [email protected] 📱 WhatsApp: +250 788 408 767 Let’s remember. Let’s celebrate. Culture lives because we carry it. #Soundtrack #Africa #Rwanda #AfricanMusic #Nostalgia #RwandanMusic #fyp

Waka Waka launch in Kigali ✨ Being part of this book beyond being on the cover has been a true joy. To waka waka alongside my friend, the author, listening to him speak about his masterpiece, its journey, and its meaning. As he shared, to be Waka Waka is to be in motion to walk, observe, and stay present. To move through places and moments with curiosity, humility, and care. What 2025 and being on these launches truly reminded me of is the beauty of our communities and the power of people who believe in you, show up for you, and walk the journey with you. I’m deeply proud of Danjuma, @thedanjuma for giving us his very best, honoring his craft, and building something that makes his parents and all of us, his little village, so very proud. This post is also a major shoutout to Cornwine Studio @thecornwineway Waka Waka lives through images and Cornwine didn’t just capture moments, they translated movement, emotion, and presence into visual memory. Their eye, discipline, and sensitivity are the reason these moments endure and the reason the story breathes beyond the room. And to you my friends, those who were in the room and those who couldn’t make it but were present in every way, thank you for showing up. 🤍✨ Aluta continua☀️💃🏾

Barafinda out now. @abiri_nitanu album on the way. Watch the full clip on YouTube. Featuring @icenova01 @bushali_ @b.threy @angellmutoni.rw @ishkevin_ @slum_drip @sema_sole & @nikitaheaven1 Produced by @dr_nganji @barickmusic @kushbeatzmusic & @roarkbailey

Barafinda out now. @abiri_nitanu album on the way. Watch the full clip on YouTube. Featuring @icenova01 @bushali_ @b.threy @angellmutoni.rw @ishkevin_ @slum_drip @sema_sole & @nikitaheaven1 Produced by @dr_nganji @barickmusic @kushbeatzmusic & @roarkbailey 👔: @native1018_