Rwandan artiste Christiane Bukuru, widely known as Boukuru, was Tuesday, January 28, announced among 10 finalists competing for the coveted Prix Découvertes RFI 2025. The winner takes bags prizes which include a Euro 10,000 prize (approximately Rwf14.6 million), an African music tour, and a headline concert in Paris, France. It remains to be seen whether she can walk in the footsteps of late musician Yvan Buravan and become the second Rwandan artiste to bring it home. In an exclusive interview with The New Times, the singer, who is ‘very optimistic’ about the competition, describes the platform as a “privilege which simultaneously puts Rwanda on the map and for a good reason.” “The more they see us winning and progressing in this music, the more it creates opportunities for more artists to come on board. It takes just one artiste to open more doors for many people. Therefore, I take the opportunity at hand, and what’s important is marking my space,” said the singer, who has solidified her place among top vocalists and live performers in Rwanda. If you want to vote for her, here is the link: Vote here. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Hot Seat with Christiane Boukuru Could Boukuru be the next Rwandan artist to claim the RFI-backed trophy? Boukuru, who made a name for herself thanks a number of popular songs like ‘Gikundiro,’ and ‘Umwali’ among others, believes she has great potential to become the next Rwandan artiste to win the award. It has been almost eight years since the late singer Yvan Buravan brought it home, making history as the first Rwandan to do so after 38 years of the award’s existence. The competition was founded in 1981. “We have great music, an amazing culture, and numerous talented artistes, but because we lack opportunities to showcase it to the world, our music remains local, and ultimately, we lack recognition,” she stressed. Boukuru pointed out that such opportunities have paved the way for Rwanda’s biggest names, including Gaël Faye, Corneille Nyungura, Stromae, and other Rwandans who have secured a place on the global stage in the performing arts sector. Speaking about her nomination criteria for this Pan-African platform, the singer believes that “a good thing sells itself.” She attributes her recognition to some of the songs on her debut album, “Gikundiro,” including ‘Umwali’, ‘Nishimira,’ and ‘Gikundiro,’ which she says “helped bring Rwanda’s artistry to the forefront.” “They are a fusion of old and modern styles, particularly Rwanda’s language. They are cinematic and contemporary, serving both generations,” she explained. With expectations as high as 80%, Boukuru admitted that she has learned from Rwanda’s previous nominees and is aiming even higher to make her dream come true. “I have all it takes—talent, culture, discipline, uniqueness, and support. I’m feeding off the love and energy Rwandans have shown me,” she said. “Even if I don’t win, I am opening more doors for myself and my fellows. Collaborations will come more easily because I will be at an international level. You don’t want to oversell, but bookings will also be easier due to the existing exposure,” she confidently said. Industry players upbeat Rwandan music pioneer Jacques Murigande, also known as Mighty Popo, is the brains behind the Rwanda School of Creative Arts and Music, formerly Nyundo School of Art and Music. Popo commended Boukuru’s nomination and wished her good luck, emphasizing that she is “capable of winning.” “She’s just an amazing talent, and her style is truly commendable. She has a Jazz and Blues influence and seems to infuse it with Gakondo. That’s very unique and can surely boost her chances of winning. Being nominated was already an achievement, and history has been made,” he said. Mighty Popo also praised Rwanda’s music industry, stating that it has reached a remarkable and commendable level. However, he urged investors to see it as a ripe opportunity and become part of the movement to unlock more opportunities that are not yet easily accessible. Aimable Twahirwa, the former Director General of Culture Promotion at the Ministry of Youth and Culture (MINIYOUTH), has been associated with Buravan’s award success where he served as his advisor throughout his journey to winning the prize. Twahirwa described Boukuru’s nomination from Rwanda and the region as “an achievement itself.” “She has all it takes, particularly values, and the nomination means a big support, simply like a trampoline. We trust the jury under the guidance of Angelique Kidjo. She has been given a big brand, platform, and push, so she ought to use it wisely,” he said. Twahirwa, an expert in culture and performing arts, calls on Rwandan performers to open their eyes and seize every opportunity, especially legitimate platforms, as some are not. He also vowed to assist Boukuru in every way possible and is already celebrating the significant step she has taken. You can follow Boukuru on her platforms, including X and Instagram.
