Raul Kenan NTWARI

9K is a Burundian artist, rapper, and singer based in Bujumbura. A member of the group 257 Block and founder of the collective Block Records, he is establishing himself as one of the rising voices of the contemporary Burundian music scene. His artistic journey is marked by numerous collaborations with leading figures of East Africa's new generation, including Kenny-K Shot, Dallashi, Dollarbeat, and Theecember, as well as renowned producers such as KDaGreat, Ekany, and Blick Bassy. This openness and creative energy give 9K a unique musical identity, blending rap, singing, and a forward-looking artistic vision. As an independent artist, he has already released two collective projects with 257 Block and Block Records (Cahier d'Essai, Block Vol.2) and has performed on major stages such as Izuba Fest 2025, Tamba Festival, and the New Gen Talent Festival. His commitment to innovation also shines through in a series of freestyles that have accumulated over half a million online views (Instagram, TikTok), strengthening his influence among a young and connected audience. In 2025, he took part in the Sciencage Musique Académie, a program funded by the Institut Français of Burundi under the artistic direction of multidisciplinary artist Blick Bassy. Alongside his solo career, 9K also develops his role as a cultural actor through Block Records, of which he is co-founder. With this collective, he organized the first edition of the Block Records Concert Show, which brought together more than 500 people, and supports emerging talents such as Dallashi and Miso. Block Records also positions itself as a music and audiovisual production structure, fostering collaborations between local and international artists, and operating its own multimedia studio. Driven by a clear vision and inexhaustible creative energy, 9K embodies the dynamism and evolution of contemporary Burundian music, rooted in local culture yet open to the world.