As the founder of GMF Music House (Get Money Forever), AY
represents more than just a new wave of music production. He is a symbol of
hope for the youth in Rwanda, particularly aspiring rappers. His influence
stretches beyond beats and tracks; he is fostering a culture of unity,
collaboration, and mentorship in the Rwandan music industry. This is not just
the story of a producer—this is the story of a visionary committed to making
his mark on the world.
Early Life and Roots – Growing Up in Karenge,
Rwanda
AY’s love for music didn’t emerge overnight. Born in 2003
in Karenge Sector, Rwamagana District, Rwanda, his childhood was steeped in a
rich cultural environment where music was omnipresent. Raised in a family where
creativity was encouraged, AY was constantly surrounded by melodies, whether
through family gatherings, church hymns, or the local radio station. His older
brothers exposed him to various genres of music, influencing his tastes and
igniting a passion for sound that would define his future.
Though the family was not wealthy, AY found joy in simple
things, including playing the piano, which became his first real musical
instrument. His fascination with sound continued to grow as he explored
different music genres, learning from both local Rwandan music and
international hits. This period of early exposure to different sounds shaped
AY’s approach to music, allowing him to mix traditional Rwandan rhythms with
global trends, something that would set him apart in the music industry.
The Spark of Passion – Moving to Kigali and Pursuing Music
AY’s journey took a pivotal turn when his family moved to
Kigali, Rwanda’s bustling capital. In Kigali, AY was exposed to greater
opportunities and a more dynamic music scene. It was here that he took his
first serious steps toward music production. While most of his peers were
focused on traditional education, AY found himself captivated by the power of
music.
At church, he began to learn the piano more formally.
This skill, combined with his innate understanding of rhythm, allowed him to
experiment with sound. AY quickly became obsessed with the art of production,
immersing himself in learning about digital audio workstations, which were
relatively new to him at the time. This new fascination led him to pursue music
production full-time. He spent countless hours teaching himself the tools of
the trade, often feeling that his love for music was something he couldn’t
escape from.
The Birth of a Music Producer – Overcoming
Obstacles
In 2020, at just 17 years old, AY officially entered the
professional world of music production. It was not an easy transition—he had to
navigate numerous challenges, including limited resources, competition from
seasoned producers, and skepticism from those who doubted the potential of a
young, up-and-coming artist. However, AY’s determination was unwavering. He
took every setback as a lesson, focusing on improving his craft and ensuring
that every track he produced told a unique story.
Despite the difficulties, AY remained optimistic, working
tirelessly to build a portfolio that would showcase his skill and creativity.
He understood that in a competitive industry like music, he needed to prove his
worth, not just through talent, but through persistence and vision.
Founding GMF Music House – A Creative Haven
for Artists
In 2022, AY’s hard work and vision came to fruition with
the founding of GMF Music House. With his own studio space, AY could fully
realize his potential and create music that would resonate with both local and
international audiences. GMF, which stands for Get Money Forever, is more than
just a studio—it's a movement that aims to redefine the sound of Rwandan music
and elevate it to the global stage.
Located in Kigali, GMF Music House quickly became a hub
for aspiring artists, especially those in the hip-hop and rap communities. At
GMF, AY is not just a producer but a mentor who is passionate about supporting
young talent. His studio serves as a space where artists can collaborate,
experiment with new sounds, and build their music careers in a supportive and
nurturing environment.
AY’s Influence in Rwandan Hip-Hop –
Collaborations with Rising Stars
One of AY’s greatest strengths lies in his ability to
collaborate with local artists, especially emerging rappers. His production
style, which blends Afrobeat, hip-hop, and Rwandan traditional rhythms, has
made him a favorite among Rwanda’s hip-hop community. He has worked with top
artists like Ish Kevin, Bruce the 1st, and Fireman, helping to shape their
sound and elevate the Rwandan hip-hop scene.
AY’s collaboration with Ish Kevin on the breakout single
was a defining moment in his career, receiving over 100,000 streams in its
first month. This success helped establish AY as a key player in the Rwandan
music scene, with local artists eager to work with him. His work has
contributed significantly to the development of the genre, ensuring that
Rwandan hip-hop is recognized both within Africa and beyond.
AY’s Vision for Global Success – Bridging
Africa and the World
AY’s ambitions extend far beyond Rwanda. He dreams of
taking his craft to the global stage, working with international music icons
like Kanye West, Cardi B, Eminem, Nicki Minaj, and Jay-Z. His goal is not just
to create music that resonates with the global audience but to bring
international recognition to Rwanda’s music scene. AY believes that by
collaborating with these global icons, he can help elevate Rwandan music and
show the world what the country’s creative industry is capable of.
In his own words, “By bringing global artists to
Rwanda, we’re not just showcasing our talent; we’re building bridges between
cultures. It’s about collaboration, growth, and the unity that music brings.”
This philosophy guides every step of AY’s career, from his work at GMF Music
House to his efforts to bring international artists to the country.
The Role of Collaboration – AY’s Commitment
to Unity in Music
AY is a firm believer in the power of collaboration. He
views music not as a competition but as a platform for shared success. He
constantly encourages young rappers and artists to collaborate with each other
rather than focusing solely on individual success. For AY, collaboration is the
key to achieving greater things in the music industry, both locally and
globally.
This mindset is reflected in his work with local artists,
where he often brings together diverse talents to create something greater than
the sum of its parts. AY’s work is about building a community where artists can
learn from each other, grow together, and celebrate each other’s successes.
Mentorship and Giving Back – AY’s Legacy of Inspiring Young Artists
As a young artist himself, AY understands the challenges
of breaking into the industry. That’s why he is so passionate about mentoring
the next generation of musicians. At GMF Music House, he provides opportunities
for aspiring artists to learn, grow, and develop their skills. Many young
producers and rappers credit AY with helping them refine their craft and find
their voice in the music world.
“I want to create a legacy that inspires others,”
AY says. “It’s not just about my success; it’s about building a community
that thrives together.” His dedication to mentorship is helping to shape
the future of the Rwandan music industry and ensure that the next generation of
musicians is equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
The Future of Rwandan Music – AY’s Impact on
the Industry
Looking to the future, AY is confident that Rwanda will
become a major hub for music production in Africa. His work has already started
to put the country on the map, with GMF Music House serving as a creative
center for artists from across the continent. AY’s impact is already being
felt, and with his continued dedication to the craft and his unwavering belief
in collaboration, it’s clear that his influence will only grow.
As he continues to push boundaries and collaborate with
both local and international artists, AY is proving that success is not just
about individual achievement, but about lifting others up and creating
opportunities for everyone to succeed.
AY – A Role Model for Rappers and the Music
Industry
Simplice Himbaza Elinathan (AY) is more than just a
producer—he is a leader, a mentor, and a visionary. His ability to blend local
and global sounds, his commitment to collaboration, and his dedication to
mentoring the next generation of artists make him a role model for aspiring
musicians, particularly young rappers. As AY continues to push forward, he is
helping to shape the future of Rwandan music and inspiring young artists to
believe in their potential to succeed, both locally and globally.