Rwandan music sensation Ariel Wayz has officially signed with Universal Music Group East Africa (UMG EA), marking a major milestone in her fast-rising career.
Known for her distinctive sound and genre-blending style, Ariel has quickly established herself as one of the most promising talents in East Africa. Her partnership with UMG EA is expected to elevate her presence across the continent and introduce her music to global audiences.
“It still feels surreal,” Ariel said. “This is a huge step in my journey, and I’m thrilled to be able to share my music with the world.” She teased that fans can look forward to “a lot of projects” and “a lot of collaborations” in the coming months, reflecting a bold new phase of creativity.
Speaking on the significance of joining UMG EA, Ariel said, “It feels right because I have been building towards a step where I start pushing my music beyond my country. With UMG EA, I feel like I can accomplish that.”
UMG East Africa has a strong track record of supporting African talent, making it a fitting partner for the 24-year-old singer-songwriter as she takes the next leap in her music career.
Who is Ariel Wayz?
Born Uwayezu Arielle in Rubavu, Rwanda, Ariel comes from a musical family—her mother sang with Orchestre Ingeri in the 1990s. Ariel’s talent was honed at the Nyundo School of Music, where she earned a scholarship in 2015.
She broke onto the mainstream scene in 2021 with the hit single “Away” featuring Juno Kizigenza. Since then, she has delivered a string of hits including “You Should Know,” “Good Luck,” “Shayo,” and “Wowe Gusa.” Her 2025 debut album Hear to Stay cemented her status as one of Rwanda’s leading musical voices.
With her powerful vocals, emotional depth, and bold fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and contemporary hip-hop, Ariel Wayz is poised to become a defining voice of her generation — now with the backing of one of the world’s biggest music labels.