Edwin Ruyonga is a Ugandan Hip Hop and spoken word artist and one of the pioneering hip-hop acts in Uganda. Previously known as Krukid and a member of the hip-hop trio A.R.M. (African Rebel Movement/Artists), Ruyonga has recorded quite a number of songs. He was included in the 2007 Rawkus 50, a list compiled by Rawkus Records of 50 notable hip hop artists.
You have made a name doing verses on other people’s songs. Why and when did you decide to take this path?
I have played with it for a while, but I did it a bit more consistently at the end of 2023. For one, it is a way to keep my skills sharp and challenge myself, but also in rap, it is a bit of a thing for us to rap over people’s beats as long as it is not commercial or for sale.
Do you seek permission to do this from these artistes?
I do let a few of them know. Mostly I tag them in the posts so the fans give them their flowers. Usually in the comments, people ask for the original songs and I share the links. But again, it is not for sale. It is really just to give fans something to lighten their days.
Have you ever got any copy infringement issues?
No, there is no reason for that. I do not sell them. I have my own original music that I sell.
How did all this start? Which song did you start with?
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