After years abroad, Rwandan-Canadian artiste and artistic director Chris Ngabonziza, popularly known as Tontonchris, has reintroduced himself to the music scene with what he describes as a creative homecoming — a defining new chapter in his artistic journey. The former member of celebrated dance collective Cool Family has released two singles simultaneously: Kiberinka (featuring Amalon) and Look Around XOXO (featuring Ariel Wayz). Recorded in Kigali, the tracks blend soul, pop and Afrobeat influences, reflecting both his international exposure and Rwandan roots. ALSO READ: Gisa Cy’Inganzo opens up on comeback, hints at new album In an interview with The New Times, Tontonchris traced a career spanning more than two decades across Rwanda, Canada and the United States. Old good days He began his artistic journey in the 1990s as a founding member of Cool Family, alongside Joseph “Boubou” Mushyoma — now founder of East African Promoters (EAP). At the time, they were high school students at APACOPE Muhima. Reflecting on those formative years, Tontonchris recalled a period when Rwanda’s entertainment industry was still in its infancy. “In 1997, there was nothing in entertainment here. There was nothing. We were the people who had the machines,” he said. “So I have that kind of attachment to Kigali because I remember back then.” After relocating to Canada in 2001, he transitioned fully into music. Though the move came later in his artistic journey, he says it followed years of exploring different creative disciplines. “This is who I am. I have tried different artistic disciplines and I have finally found myself,” he said. At 28, he signed with a record label in Quebec and went on to front the band Ngabo alongside Quebec-based musicians. However, the years between 2001 and 2008 were also marked by personal rediscovery. “When you’re a new kid in a new country, you’ve got to find yourself and have some bearing as a soul,” he reflected. His first major performance in Montreal in 2008, staged under a grant-supported programme, signalled a renewed commitment to music. He later moved to Los Angeles in 2019 to pursue fresh opportunities before returning to Canada in early 2020 amid pandemic-related border restrictions. Beyond performing, Tontonchris currently works as a programming director in artistic development for one of Canada’s major festivals, curating line-ups and scouting talent. Why “Tontonchris”? The decision to adopt the name Tontonchris — replacing his previous stage name Abacus — was deliberate. During a recent visit to Africa, many of his nieces and nephews affectionately called him “Tonton Chris,” a name he felt carried maturity and timelessness. “Twin songs” about second chances The two newly released tracks explore themes of renewal and self-discovery. Describing Kiberinka, his collaboration with Amalon, he said: “It’s essentially about second chances. It’s a love song, but it could be about career, about health, about anything.” On Look Around XOXO with Ariel Wayz, he added, “It feels like a song about love, but it’s also about self-discovery — going around and trying a bunch of different things but coming back to the one thing that you feel like you belong to.” He intentionally released the songs together. “For me, they’re like twin songs. They really go together. That’s why I dropped them at the same time.” A lot happening in studio... Tontonchris revealed that he plans to prioritise collaborations throughout the year as he reconnects with Rwanda’s contemporary music scene, with a possible full-length album slated for development next year. He is also working on a track with Bushali set for release in mid-March and is eyeing future collaborations with Mike Kayihura and Kivumbi King. Despite balancing music with professional commitments abroad, he is determined to gradually transition into music full time. “I have decided that yes, I do have a serious job, but I can also do music,” he said. “If you want to do it, you can do it.” Looking ahead, he envisions dividing his time equally between Rwanda and Canada. “My ultimate plan is to be in between. I want to do a 50-50,” he said.
