After dominating clubs, bars and radio stations with his hit song Mbali, many people danced to the tune without even knowing who was behind it.
Today, that young artiste is steadily making a name for himself. Freddy Irakoze, popularly known by his stage name Chiboo, is not only building a music career but also championing a different conversation,financial sustainability for artists.
The 23-year-old Afrobeat singer believes musicians, especially upcoming talents, should stop depending entirely on music revenues and instead create small businesses that can generate additional income.
In this special interview with Taarifa, Chiboo unpacks his journey, his vision for the future and why entrepreneurship should become part of every artist’s career plan.
Conversation with Chiboo
Who is Chiboo?
My real name is Freddy Irakoze, but professionally I’m known as Chiboo. I was born on June 6, 2002.
I am an Afrobeat artist whose journey started in church at a very young age. Music has always been part of my life.
How did your music journey begin?
I started singing at the age of six in the choir at ADEPR SEGEM church alongside my mother.
She inspired me tremendously. I grew up watching her sing and that’s where my passion for music was born.
When did you officially join the music industry?
I officially entered the professional music scene on June 1, 2023.
I released my first song, Abatwin, which gave me some exposure. But everything changed in 2024 when Mbali became an instant hit on radio stations, clubs and entertainment venues.
That’s when many people started recognizing my work.
Did the success of Mbali change your life?
Absolutely.
It opened many doors and increased my visibility. However, it also taught me an important lesson: popularity does not always translate into financial stability.
People may know your songs, but that doesn’t automatically guarantee consistent income.
Your music often revolves around love. Why?
Love is what connects humanity.
I grew up seeing people care for each other, and I believe music should bring people together rather than divide them.
Whenever I encounter conflict or people who don’t get along, I ask myself how I can contribute to creating unity. I channel that into my songs.
Without love, art becomes empty.
What are some of your other projects?
My catalogue now includes songs like Okipe, Vazi and I have a new single coming up soon.
I’m constantly working on new material.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing young musicians in Rwanda?
One of the biggest challenges is financial instability.
As an independent artist without management, I handle everything myself—from promotion to bookings and planning.
The Rwandan music industry is growing, but the opportunities are still limited compared to bigger markets. Depending entirely on music money can become very risky.
You have been speaking about entrepreneurship. Why is this important?
I want to call upon all musicians, especially rising stars, to create small businesses alongside their music careers.
Many young artists believe that once a song becomes popular, they have secured their future. That’s not true.
Music can be seasonal. Today people love your song, tomorrow trends change.
Having another source of income can protect artists from financial struggles.
What kind of businesses can artists start?
It doesn’t have to be a huge investment.
Artists can start clothing brands, coffee shops, online businesses, photography services, studios, event management companies, content creation agencies or even small retail businesses.
The goal is to create something that earns money even when you’re not performing.
Artists should become entrepreneurs.
Why is this message particularly important in Rwanda?
Because our music industry is still developing.
There are not yet enough concerts, streaming revenues or sponsorship opportunities for every artist to survive comfortably.
Upcoming artists must understand that music should be part of a bigger vision.
If musicians build businesses, they will have the freedom to create better music without financial pressure.
What is your message to fellow artists?
Don’t wait until your career declines before thinking about business.
Build something now.
Your talent can attract attention, but your business can create long-term security.
Music and entrepreneurship should go hand in hand.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
I see myself as an established artist with a strong management team, collaborating with major artists and proudly representing Rwanda internationally.
I also want to be known as an entrepreneur who inspires other musicians to build sustainable careers beyond music like Jayz, Mr Eazi and King James.
My dream is to prove that artists can succeed both creatively and financially.
Profile
Freddy Irakoze, popularly known by his stage name Chiboo, is a Rwandan Afrobeat artiste born on June 6, 2002.
He officially launched his professional music career on June 1, 2023, before rising to prominence in 2024 when his hit single Mbali became an instant sensation on radio stations, in clubs and across entertainment venues.
Before his breakthrough, Chiboo had released Abatwin, which introduced him to audiences, and he later expanded his catalogue with songs such as Okipe. He is currently preparing to release a new single titled Vazi.
Beyond his growing music career, Chiboo is emerging as a young voice advocating for financial sustainability among artists. He believes that in Rwanda’s evolving music industry, talent alone is not enough to guarantee long-term success.
His message to fellow musicians, especially rising stars, is simple but urgent: artists should build small businesses and diversify their sources of income instead of relying entirely on music revenues, which remain limited in Rwanda’s growing entertainment industry.
According to Chiboo, musicians must begin treating themselves as entrepreneurs by investing in side businesses that can provide financial security while allowing them to continue creating music without economic pressure.
For the young singer, the future of Rwanda’s music industry will belong not only to talented performers, but also to artists who understand that creativity and entrepreneurship must go hand in hand.
