Ish Kevin Biography: Parents, Album, Girlfriend, Height, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Instagram, Awards, Controversy

Kevin Ishimwe, known professionally as Ish Kevin is a Rwandan rapper and songwriter who rose to prominence as a central figure in the Drill music movement in Rwanda.

He gained widespread recognition through his sharp lyrical delivery and the cultural influence of his collective, Trappish Music, which played a key role in reshaping the modern hip-hop scene in Kigali.

His breakthrough came with the release of Amakosi, a hit track that resonated strongly with youth audiences across East Africa and established him as a leading voice of the Kinyatrap and Trappish movement within the new generation of Rwandan artists.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Kevin Ishimwe
• Nickname: Ish Kevin
• Date of Birth: April 14, 1997
• Age: 29 years old (as of 2026)
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Kigali, Rwanda
• Nationality: Rwandan
• Profession: Rapper and Songwriter
• Height: 1.78 m
• Weight: 70 kg
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Hair Color: Black
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship Status: Single
• Religion: Christian
• Ethnicity: Rwandan
• Net Worth: $100,000

Early Life and Education

Ish Kevin born as Kevin Ishimwe was born on April 14, 1997, in Kigali, Rwanda, and is now 27 years old.

Growing up in an urban environment shaped by cultural evolution, he developed an early interest in music, influenced by both global hip-hop trends and traditional Kinyarwanda poetic expression.

He attended primary and secondary schools in Kigali, where he began writing rap verses and experimenting with lyrical composition.

After completing his secondary education, he chose to pursue music full-time rather than continuing with higher education, immersing himself in the underground rap scene that was beginning to emerge in Rwanda.

Personal Life

Ish Kevin maintains a relatively private personal life, choosing to focus public attention on his music and the growth of the Trappish brand.

He is not married and does not have children, and he has not publicly confirmed any long-term romantic relationships.

Career

Ish Kevin began his music career in the mid-2010s, initially exploring different styles within hip-hop before finding his identity in Drill music.

Around 2018, he shifted his focus to this emerging sound, helping to introduce and popularize it within Rwanda.

He founded Trappish Music as a platform to promote a new wave of artists and to define a unique urban sound rooted in local culture.

His 2020 single Amakosi became a major success, earning him widespread recognition and opening doors to collaborations with international artists such as Victony and other East African musicians.

In 2021, he released the Trappish II EP, which received critical acclaim for its production and lyrical depth.

He has since performed at major regional events, including the Giants of Africa festival, and has organized the Trappish Concert series in Kigali, further cementing his influence as both an artist and a cultural innovator.

Awards

• The Choice Awards – Best Hip-Hop Artist, Winner (2021)
• Isango Na Muzika Awards – Best Hip-Hop Artist, Winner (2021)
• Kiss Summer Awards – Best Artist, Nomination (2022)
• The Choice Awards – Most Influential Artist, Winner (2022)
• Zikomo Awards – Best African Rapper, Nomination (2023)

Net Worth

Ish Kevin has an estimated net worth of $100,000.

His income is largely derived from live performances, streaming revenue, and endorsement deals with local brands.

Controversy

Ish Kevin has experienced minor controversies, often linked to the bold and expressive nature of Drill music culture.

In 2021, he and several associates were briefly detained by authorities in Kigali for allegedly breaching COVID-19 safety regulations during a private gathering, which sparked discussions online.

Social Media

• Instagram: @ishkevin_
• X: @IshKevin_
• TikTok: @ishkevin_official
• YouTube: Ish Kevin

Discography

• Amakosi (2020)
• Trappish I (2019)
• Trappish II (2021)
• No Cap (2021)
• Tora (2022)
• Psh Psh (2023)
• Clout (2023)
• Long Way Out (2024)