Prime Mazimpaka and Ju. Rusine Reunite on ‘Vendetta’ After Nearly 15 Years

Rwandan rappers Prime Mazimpaka and Ju. Rusine have reunited on a new collaboration titled “Vendetta,” nearly 15 years after first crossing paths as high-school freestyle rivals.

The track also features Burundian artist Alain IG, bringing together musicians connected to Rwanda, Burundi and the diaspora.

A Collaboration Years in the Making

Prime Mazimpaka and Ju. Rusine first knew each other through Kigali's high-school hip-hop scene.

Rusine was part of the crew 101, while Mazimpaka performed with Skank Nation. Their groups regularly appeared at student concerts and freestyle sessions before both artists followed separate paths in music and life.

Mazimpaka told The New Times that after years without ever recording together, the time had finally come for the two to collaborate.

‘Vendetta’ Connects Rwanda and the Diaspora

Ju. Rusine is now based in the United States, while Mazimpaka remains closely connected to Rwanda's hip-hop scene.

That distance shaped how the project was made.

The collaboration was largely completed remotely, with production and video work taking place across different countries.

Nigerian producer Dseasoner created the instrumental, while Drey Armani, based in Portland, Maine, handled production, recording, mixing and mastering.

Alain IG Adds a Regional Dimension

Burundian artist Alain IG joins Mazimpaka and Rusine on the track.

His participation gives the song an additional regional element and expands the collaboration beyond the reunion of the two Rwandan rappers.

Independent reporting from Nigeria's Punch also identifies “Vendetta” as Ju. Rusine's latest release and confirms that it features Mazimpaka Prime and Alain IG.

A Video Inspired by ‘The Matrix’

The accompanying visuals draw inspiration from the 1999 science-fiction film The Matrix.

According to Rusine, the concept connects with questions around modern technology, artificial intelligence and the increasingly digital nature of everyday life.

The video itself was produced across multiple locations, with Tristan Anderson (Shotbytristan) leading the main visual production and Director Kojo handling Mazimpaka's scenes in Kigali.

Still Making Music for the Love of It

At the centre of “Vendetta” is a message about persistence.

Both artists have spent years balancing music with other responsibilities, and the collaboration reflects their decision to keep creating without measuring their careers only by major commercial hits.

For Mazimpaka and Rusine, the reunion is also about returning to the shared roots of their early days in Rwanda's hip-hop scene while showing how their sound and experiences have evolved.

“Vendetta” is the first collaboration between Prime Mazimpaka and Ju. Rusine after nearly 15 years of knowing each other through music.

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Editor's Note: The collaboration, featured artists, production details and history between Prime Mazimpaka and Ju. Rusine were reported by The New Times on September 26, 2026. Punch independently identifies “Vendetta” as Ju. Rusine's latest release featuring Mazimpaka Prime and Alain IG. The cover used by Lyrica is a real existing Mazimpaka Prime artist image from AfroCharts.