Transdisciplinary Rwandan artist Mvfasta has had quite the creative arc; as a professional act for the past half-decade, and on peak passion & vibes in the years that preceded it. From low fidelity dorm-room rap tapes in uni to a cult status recording career & multi-prize winning conceptual visual art, he’s still on a nomadic quest to spend every last muse in his bones.
Né Yvan King Mukunzi, bro’s always had a knack for innovation even away from his musical pursuits. (More on that towards the end.) But it’s the realm of the sonic that played a bigger part in propelling him to his current trajectory. And a significant part of that boost owes to culturally ambitious Kigali independent label Green Ferry Music, who (circa 2019) resourced and platformed him onto the scene, most prominently under the banner of dynamic rap creative collective Antik dust, that Mvfasta himself co-founded.
In the two years that’d follow, he’d go on to have highlights, some in the way of warm audience reception, but others more remarkably in terms of the evolution of his sound. One such innovative number was 2022’s “Purpose” off his debut album “Ubwonko”.
In the past couple of year’s, King’s artistry has attracted interesting synergies, including collabs with labelmates like NERIWEST, Ngaara & Dr Nganji, and features alongside similarly innovative artists like Kivumbi King.
The more Mvfasta has explored his numerous sources of inspiration for musical material, the more he’s expanded his appetite for artistic adventure, branching out into more disciplines. From designing creative spaces & conceptualizing innovative art installations, to dipping his feet into directing culturally potent independent films, his artistic audacity has been rewarded with recognition from outfits like the Prince Claus Fund & an esteemed One World Media fellowship. We do love ourselves a multidimensional maverick story. That said, Mvfasta, could you find some time on your busy slate & get back in the booth to throw us a chunky musical bone one of these days? Will you?
