By: Samantha Poathe

Rwanda’s new sound has a name, and it belongs to Vex Prince — a young artist turning life’s ups and downs into an Afrobeat movement that feels as personal as it is global. With a name that carries both grit and grace, Vex Prince is emerging as one of the most compelling new voices in the East African music scene. His debut album, Levitation, produced under Koko Productions in partnership with Kauris Music, is more than a record. It’s a diary written in rhythm — one that captures heartbreak, hope, and the healing power of music.

From Kigali Streets to Studio Dreams

Born Prince Eric Munezero in Kigali, Rwanda, Vex grew up surrounded by the sound of drums, church choirs, and city chatter that shaped his early love for rhythm. Like many young Rwandans, he dreamed of playing soccer professionally. But somewhere between school tournaments and street games, he found himself drawn to a different kind of field — one where the goal was connection, not competition.

“I used to memorize local rap lyrics and perform them at school events,” he recalls in an interview with Inyarwanda. “That session confirmed my potential.”

That moment became the pivot point. Music wasn’t just something he liked. It became his calling.

A Sound Shaped by Many Worlds

Vex Prince’s sound doesn’t belong to one category. It’s a seamless blend of Afrobeats, R&B, amapiano, UK rap, and drill, reflecting both his African roots and his global ear. He credits his older brother for introducing him to hip hop and cites artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as his modern inspirations.

“Those artists showed me what it means to turn culture into sound,” he said in a Koko Productions feature. “They made it okay to dream beyond borders.”

But while the influences are clear, his music carries a distinctly Rwandan pulse — a storytelling depth and melodic warmth that set him apart from the typical Afrobeat template.

Signing With Koko Productions

In March 2024, just as he celebrated another year around the sun, Vex Prince signed with Koko Productions through Kauris Music — a partnership that has proven transformational. The label, known for elevating African diaspora artists and nurturing creative authenticity, gave him both the resources and freedom to explore his identity as a songwriter.

“Working with Koko Productions feels like family,” he says. “They let you bring your full self to the studio. It’s not just about hits — it’s about growth.”

The team’s philosophy aligns perfectly with Vex’s vision: creating Afrobeat that feels human, honest, and borderless.

‘Levitation’: Rising Through the Noise

His first full-length project, Levitation, dropped in 2025 and immediately drew attention for its emotional range and sonic precision. The album is both introspective and infectious — a rare balance of dance-floor rhythm and reflective storytelling.

Featuring standout tracks like “Holy Water”, “Bad Energy”, “Somebody”, and “Wahala”, the project explores love, loss, and renewal through Afrobeat’s irresistible pulse. Collaborations with Ivorian artist Dorty and hitmaker Fior2Bior add a layer of international chemistry, expanding the album’s reach across Africa and beyond.

“Levitation represents my life story — love, heartbreak, grief, resilience, and triumph through music,” Vex Prince told Inyarwanda.

Listeners across streaming platforms have echoed that sentiment, praising the album’s emotional honesty. One reviewer described it as “the sound of a young man learning to float above what once weighed him down.”

The Making of a Modern Star

Vex Prince doesn’t believe in rushing fame. His path is deliberate, guided more by authenticity than algorithms. He spends as much time reflecting as he does recording, often stepping away from the studio to reset and reconnect with his roots.

That reflective nature fuels his writing. Each song begins with a conversation — a personal story, a memory, a shared emotion. “Every track starts from something real,” he says. “If I don’t feel it, I can’t record it.”

This emotional clarity has become his signature. It’s what turns a catchy rhythm into a lived experience for listeners.

A New Chapter for Rwandan Music

For decades, Rwanda’s music scene has thrived quietly beside the Afrobeat giants of Nigeria and Ghana. But artists like Vex Prince are rewriting that story. They’re showing the world that East Africa has its own flavor of Afrobeat — melodic, poetic, and unapologetically soulful.

Vex is vocal about his pride in representing Rwanda on a global stage. “There’s so much talent back home,” he says. “Every show, every interview, I carry that with me.”

His mission extends beyond personal success. He wants to build bridges — between Rwanda and the global Afrobeat community, between young artists and opportunity, between rhythm and recognition.

The Road Ahead

With Levitation still streaming strong, Vex Prince is already preparing his next chapter. His upcoming studio album will feature new collaborations with artists like Bruce Melodie, The Ben, Chriss Eazy, Element Eleeh, and Bien.

According to Koko Productions, the project will deepen his exploration of rhythm and identity — a continuation of his journey from dreamer to cultural ambassador.

He’s also planning live performances across East Africa and select international venues, bringing his kinetic stage presence to audiences who’ve so far only experienced him through headphones.

More Than Music

At his core, Vex Prince is a storyteller. His lyrics, often in a mix of Kinyarwanda, English, and Swahili, explore love, resilience, and the human condition. He writes for the people who, like him, have learned to turn pain into purpose.

He often speaks of music as a form of therapy — for himself and for those who listen. “When someone tells me a song helped them through something,” he says, “that’s the real success.”

It’s a grounded philosophy in a fast-moving industry. Where others chase virality, Vex Prince is building legacy — one track, one truth, one listener at a time.

Levitation as a Mindset

The word levitation captures everything about who he is. Rising without losing balance. Floating without forgetting where he started. It’s both a title and a mantra.

“Life will always have its heavy moments,” he says. “Music is how I lift myself again.”

From Kigali to the world, Vex Prince is proving that Afrobeat isn’t just about rhythm — it’s about resilience. His rise isn’t just a climb through the charts; it’s a movement toward something deeper: a sound that heals, unites, and lifts.

And in that movement, Rwanda’s new generation is finding its wings.

To explore more of Vex Prince’s music and journey, visit his official website at vexprince.com, check out his artist page on Koko Productions here, or follow him on Instagram @vex.prince.