Family and friends of Buravan turned up in big numbers to celebrate the late singer's life and the legacy he left behind. The ceremony also saw the inauguration of the Twaje Cultural Academy held on August 17. Raissa Umutoni, YB foundation founder and sister to the late Yvan Buravan shared a little bit about singer’s life growing up and the love he had for music, especially Gakondo. “ He always dreamt of making Rwanda’s music known to the world not matter what. He was inspired to dive deep into gakondo style after his experience at the Prix de couverte competition. He decided to do music that uniquely identifies him as a Rwandan artiste. The Cultural Acadmy has since welcomed 20 children since it started operating a month ago. “ During the pandemic we had a conversation and that’s when he told me about his vision of inspiring children to speak and learn Kinyarwanda and build a cultural academy,” Umutoni said. She added that it was an honor that his cultural academy finally came to life and was officially launched on the night of August 17, a year's anniversary of his passing. During his celebration, a documentary was shown to showcase his cultural academy. Among the speakers were his sister, singer Ben Kayiranga and a parent whose granddaughter goes to Twaje Cultural Academy. “The work that artistes do is not easy but Buravan always made time to ask how I was doing. He was a humble and caring person, one of a kind. There is so much that I could say if I were talk about Yvan Buravan. In him we found love and as he always said, we are one and should work together”, said Mike Kayihura. He also performed ‘Zuba’ which was Buravan’s favorite song of Kayihura. Among other performances were 'Ibihame' who pit on an amazing show for the attendees with their impeccable traditional dances. Attendees also got a chance to watch Buravan’s new song ‘Ituro’ that is yet to be released. Even though he passed away before the song’s video was shot, it didn’t stop his family and loved ones to make it possible even in his absence. ‘Ituro is a dedication to his parents to show his gratitude to them for all they have done in his life. ALSO READ: Buravan's life and legacy: How the young Rwandan singer produced timeless music The Twaje Cultural Academy is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for all children who want to learn about the culture, Kinyarwanda and traditional dancing, among others.
