Burundian singer Audrey Iteriteka on bringing her music to Rwanda
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Audrey Iteriteka performing live at New Life Bible Church during Aca Inzira Live Concert. Photo by Emmanuel Dushimimana

Audrey Iteriteka, a gospel singer from Burundi has set her eyes on sharing her music with Rwanda. Her journey from her humble beginnings in her hometown to her recent relocation to Rwanda is a testament of her unwavering passion for music and her determination to pursue her dreams.

Growing up amidst frequent power outages in her community, Iteriteka found solace and joy in improvised singing sessions with her neighbors. It was during these moments that her talent began to shine, captivating those around her with her vocal abilities.

In 2015, while still in high school, her musical talent caught the attention of many when a video of her covering Beyoncé's song went viral on social media. This unexpected spotlight marked the beginning of her journey as a recognized artiste.

Embracing her calling in Gospel music after finding solace in Christianity, Iteriteka remains steadfast in her dedication to this genre. Since moving to Rwanda in 2022, she has been committed to nurturing her musical aspirations in her new environment, already releasing two official music videos, including the popular 'Ku Musaraba.'

Despite facing financial challenges in the music industry, the singer's enthusiasm for sharing her music remains. With eleven songs already penned, she looks forward to releasing more of her work, though she acknowledges the need for assistance from skilled writers in crafting lyrics.

Her aspirations extend beyond solo endeavors, as she dreams of collaborating with fellow artists such as Dudu Niyukuri, Adrien Misigaro, and Israel Mbonyi, whom she admires for their dedication to their craft and their shared faith. Additionally, she dreams of one day collaborating with renowned musicians like Tasha Cobbs and CeCe Winans, inspired by their musical talent and devotion to Christ.

Her ultimate goal, however, transcends mere musical success; Itereteka hopes to use her platform to bring more souls to Christ and make a lasting impact in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Reflecting on the state of Rwandan gospel music, the singer praises its development, attributing it to the industry's unity and mutual support among artistes. She emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships as Christians, believing that this unity creates a welcoming space for God, as outlined in the Bible.