Director_i.v Crypto: The Nairobi-based 23-yr-old Cinematic Video Prodigy

The Nairobi music scene moves fast, with new artists dropping every week. Their visuals flood timelines for a while, but attention spans fizzle out fast.

But, once in a while, a director shows up with something different – not louder, or flashier – just… intentional.

Introducing Director_i.v Crypto – real name, Imanishimwe Viateur.

Born and raised in the streets of Kigali, Rwanda, the 23-yr-old has shifted base to Nairobi. He’s quietly building a name around cinematic storytelling.

Director_i.v brings a more deliberate storytelling approach built on mood, narrative and emotion.

A music video that envelops – like a short film.

Viateur’s journey started in 2022, fresh out of film school. Like most stories, he began with freelance work with little backing – just a camera, and a dream.

Kigali became the testing ground – small shoots, trial and error – all the while learning how to direct, not just film.

Gradually, he became visible in the industry.

He’s since directed multiple projects across gospel and mainstream music, with some of his visuals crossing the 400,000-view mark.

This is a solid signal in a region where visibility is everything.

Among his notable collaborations is work with Jeanne d’Arc, creating video concepts and directing for the phenomenal gospel hits Mujawayezu, and Igihe.

The two projects leaned heavily into his signature style: controlled pacing, emotional framing and story-led direction.

Director_i. v admits that the Kenyan music industry is bigger, faster and more competitive.

But, it’s also the perfect backdrop to grow a creative visual identity around cinematic video production.

If you’d like a creative, cinematic video approach in your next project – interact, follow and hit the DM on his IG page @director_i.v

He’s also on TikTok handle @Director_i.v