In the vibrant heart of East Africa, where music is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, a young visionary is taking the helm as one of Rwanda’s most influential music producers. Himbaza Simplice Elinathan, known professionally as AY, embodies the future of Rwandan music. Born on June 6, 2003, in Karenge Sector, Rwamagana District, Eastern Province, Rwanda. AY is not just creating beats; he’s building a legacy that bridges local traditions with global appeal.

As the founder of GMF (Get Money Forever) Music House, AY’s journey reflects resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to elevating the music industry in Rwanda and beyond. This is his story—a tale of passion, perseverance, and promise.

Himbaza Simplice Elinathan, a visionary Rwandan music producer, has ambitious aspirations of collaborating with global icons such as Kanye West, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Eminem, 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, and Jay-Z. When asked about his favorite international rappers, he expressed admiration for these artists, who inspire him both musically and creatively. AY’s goal is to bring his unique sound to the global stage, and he believes working with these legendary figures will help him achieve that dream. His passion and determination to make a lasting impact in the music industry continue to drive him toward his international ambitions.

His unique blend of African sounds and international influences has set him apart in the music industry. With a relentless drive to push the boundaries of creativity, AY envisions taking his craft to the next level by collaborating with iconic artists and leaving a mark on the global stage. His passion for music and unwavering dedication to his craft positions him as one of Rwanda’s most promising producers, with the potential to redefine the global music scene.

A Childhood Full of Musical Inspiration

AY’s love for music began in the unassuming village of Karenge, where he grew up as the youngest of four siblings. Raised in a family that valued creativity and expression, he was often surrounded by melodies and rhythms, especially from his older brothers, who exposed him to various musical genres.

His early years in Rwamagana were humble yet foundational. “Music was always in the background of my life,” AY recalls. “It was in the laughter of my family, the hymns in church, and the radio tunes that played in our home.”

When AY’s family moved to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, he found new opportunities to nurture his passion. At church, he began playing the piano, a skill that would become a cornerstone of his production career.

Discovering His Calling: From Dreamer to Doer

By his teenage years, AY had developed a keen interest in how music was made. He spent hours observing local musicians and experimenting with digital audio workstations. His fascination turned into an obsession—he wanted to create music that spoke to people’s souls.

In 2020, at just 17 years old, AY officially launched his career as a professional music producer. The road was not easy; he had to navigate limited resources, stiff competition, and an industry that often-overlooked young talent. Yet, his determination to succeed was unwavering.

“Every challenge was an opportunity to learn,” AY says. “I knew that if I worked hard enough, I could make a difference.”

The Birth of GMF Music House: A Haven for Talent

Recognizing the need for a creative space that nurtured artists, AY founded GMF Music House in 2022. GMF, which stands for Get Money Forever, is more than a studio—it’s a movement that champions collaboration, innovation, and growth.

GMF Music House’s Mission:

• To empower emerging and established artists by providing world-class production services.
• To redefine the sound of Rwandan music by blending traditional and modern elements.
• To position Rwanda as a global hub for music production.

Located in Kigali, GMF has become a hub for artists seeking to push creative boundaries. The studio has produced notable projects, including AY’s own Exit EP and Ideas Mixtape, which have been praised for their originality and depth.

Collaborations with the Stars of Rwandan Hip-Hop

AY’s ability to understand and enhance an artist’s vision has made him a favorite among Rwanda’s top hip-hop artists. His collaborations with Ish Kevin, Bruce the 1st, and Fireman have resulted in some of the most memorable tracks in recent years.

One notable success was AY’s work on Ish Kevin’s breakout single, which amassed over 100,000 streams within its first month. “AY’s production brought my vision to life,” Ish Kevin shares. “He has an ear for what works and the skill to make it happen.”

These collaborations have not only elevated AY’s reputation but also contributed to the growth of Rwandan hip-hop as a genre.

Pioneering a Unique Sound: Traditional Meets Modern

AY’s music is a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Drawing from his experiences playing piano in church and his exposure to various genres, he creates tracks that resonate with both local and global audiences.

His signature style combines the beats of hip-hop, the grooves of afrobeat, and the energy of dancehall, layered with influences from traditional Rwandan music. This blend allows AY to create a sound that is uniquely his own while remaining accessible to a wide audience.

“I want my music to tell a story,” AY explains. “It’s about connecting people through sound, no matter where they’re from.”

Elevating the Industry: A National Asset

AY’s impact extends beyond the studio. His work is helping to transform Rwanda’s creative economy, which has seen steady growth in recent years.

By supporting local artists and producing high-quality music, AY is contributing to this growth while putting Rwanda on the global map. His efforts have earned him recognition as a national treasure—a symbol of what young talent can achieve with determination and vision.

A Vision for Global Recognition

AY’s ultimate goal is to attract international artists to GMF Music House. He dreams of working with icons like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and beyond, not for personal gain but to elevate Rwanda’s music industry.

“Bringing global artists to Rwanda would show the world what we’re capable of,” AY says. “It’s about building bridges and creating opportunities for everyone in the industry.”

This vision aligns with Rwanda’s broader cultural ambitions, which aim to position the country as a hub for innovation and creativity in Africa.

Challenges and Triumphs: Lessons Along the Way

Despite his success, AY has faced numerous challenges. From limited resources to disbelief from industry veterans, his journey has been anything but smooth. However, each obstacle has been a stepping stone toward greater achievements.

“Every setback taught me something new,” AY reflects. “It made me appreciate the process and the people who supported me along the way.”

His resilience and adaptability have been key to his success, proving that hard work and passion can overcome even the toughest odds.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As a young leader in the industry, AY is passionate about mentoring the next generation of Rwandan musicians and producers. Through GMF Music House, he provides opportunities for aspiring artists to learn, grow, and succeed.

“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.”

This commitment to mentorship has already begun to bear fruit, with several up-and-coming artists crediting AY for their development.

A Star in the Making

Himbaza Simplice Elinathan, better known as AY, is more than a music producer—he’s a visionary shaping the future of Rwandan music. From his humble beginnings in Rwamagana to founding GMF Music House, AY’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

As he continues to push boundaries and pursue his dreams, AY’s impact is being felt far beyond Rwanda. With the right support, he has the potential to transform the East African music industry and attract global icons to his studio, creating a legacy that benefits not only himself but the entire region.

The showbiz industry must rally behind AY, recognizing that his success is a shared victory for Rwanda and Africa. His story is just beginning, but one thing is clear: AY is destined for greatness.