Toronto Musician Blends Ethiopian Heritage and Canadian Experience in Latest Release
Toronto-based artist Rawmny Wildcat has released his new single, “Manew,” alongside his latest album, Habeshinated, marking a significant milestone in a musical journey that spans continents, cultures and decades.
Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and now based in Toronto, Rawmny Wildcat—pronounced “Raw Money Wildcat”—has built a reputation as an independent producer, songwriter and vocalist whose work blends hip hop, soul and East African influences. The release of “Manew,” the lead track from Habeshinated, highlights the artist’s exploration of identity, heritage and personal ambition while reflecting the experiences of many members of Canada’s diverse immigrant communities.
The new single arrives as Rawmny continues to expand his presence within Canada’s independent music sector through both his creative work and entrepreneurial ventures.
A Song Rooted in Identity and Heritage
At the centre of the release is “Manew,” a title derived from the Amharic phrase meaning “who is it.” The song uses that question as a starting point for a broader reflection on self-definition and cultural pride.
The track opens with the lyric, “People askin manew, it’s Rawmny manew,” before paying tribute to artists and pioneers who helped create opportunities for future generations. Another lyric states, “Actin like it cost you an arm and a leg to pay respect, where it’s due for the forefathers who be opening up the avenue.”
Throughout the song, Rawmny emphasizes perseverance and cultural connection, describing himself as bringing “that addis fire to a frozen zone.”
The blend of Ethiopian influences and contemporary hip hop production reflects the artist’s effort to bridge his birthplace and his adopted home in Canada.
From Addis Ababa to Canada
Rawmny’s musical roots trace back to Addis Ababa, where he spent much of his childhood surrounded by music. Inspired by records played through his father’s hi-fi speakers, he developed an early appreciation for Motown, soul and a wide range of international sounds.
His father, who worked as head of aviation maintenance for Ethiopian Airlines, frequently travelled and introduced new music to the household. Those experiences helped shape the artist’s early musical interests.
The family later relocated to Montreal in 1997, arriving shortly before the historic ice storm that affected large parts of Quebec and Eastern Canada. The move introduced Rawmny to a new environment and culture, but his passion for music continued to grow.
As a young artist, he spent time at CKUT McGill Radio, where local DJs Mike Mission and Ken Dawg provided opportunities for him to perform freestyle sessions on air. He later gained access to a producer’s studio, where he completed his first independent recording project.
Those early experiences laid the groundwork for a career built largely through independent efforts and entrepreneurial determination.
Building an Independent Music Business
Today, Rawmny operates Wildvision Media, a Toronto-based label and media company that oversees both music production and marketing activities.
The business reflects the same self-directed approach that has defined his artistic career. By managing his own releases and promotional efforts, Rawmny has maintained creative control while developing a growing audience in Canada and abroad.
The release of Habeshinated represents not only a creative achievement but also an example of how independent artists are increasingly using entrepreneurship to build sustainable careers in the music industry.
A Personal Homecoming Inspires New Album
Much of the inspiration behind Habeshinated came from a return trip to Ethiopia after nearly two decades away.
During the visit, Rawmny performed two sold-out shows in Addis Ababa, collaborated with musicians connected to Ethiopian jazz pioneer Mulatu Astatke and shared the stage with Ethiopian hip hop pioneer MC Siyamregn. He also worked with local producer Hunante Mulu while reconnecting with a city that had undergone significant transformation.
The experience became a major influence on the album’s themes and direction.
Exploring the Diaspora Experience
A central theme throughout Habeshinated is the experience of living between two cultures.
“In Canada, people see me as Ethiopian. In Ethiopia, many people saw me as Canadian,” Rawmny reflects.
That sense of belonging to multiple places shapes much of the album’s storytelling. Tracks such as “Habesha in the 6ix” and “Traveller” explore questions of identity, migration and cultural connection through a blend of personal experiences and contemporary musical styles.
Drawing comparisons to artists such as the Fugees, Wyclef Jean, Kendrick Lamar, Wizkid and Ethiopian artist Rophnan, Rawmny continues to develop a sound that reflects both his Ethiopian heritage and Canadian upbringing.
With “Manew” and Habeshinated now available, the Toronto artist is presenting what he describes as a full-circle project—one that connects his earliest musical influences in Addis Ababa with the experiences that have shaped his life and career in Canada.