Knowles gets a new manager

Alex Steven Karangwa, the C.E.O of Sting Creative Rwanda, a local Events Management firm, is Knowles’ new manager. The singer, real name Jane Ingabire Butera, brought Karangwa on board, in her bid to launch a musical career in the country and the rest of the East African region. Knowles is optimistic that Karangwa would help her penetrate Rwanda through her music. “I’ve always wanted to support local artists, but of course I had to consider one’s talent and perception. So I accepted to support Knowles because she is a talented young artist and dedicated about her career,” Karangwa said. He believes in the singer and is prepared to stake his reputation to make her a success. “This is all about taking Knowles’ career to a whole new level. I’ll help her to organise concerts, get sponsors and connect her to seasoned musicians in the region and beyond,” Karangwa said. Karangwa told The New Times that he would be intimately involved in all the big decisions, as is Knowles’ promoter, Abdul Kitoko, who is currently based in Belgium. He added that Kitoko had backed the singer financially, but she needed someone well-known locally to push things forward. Knowles, who was last Friday voted the Best New Artist during the SALAX Awards 2010, said she was excited about Karangwa’s endorsement. “I am excited because Karangwa accepted to support me, though I have a promoter, but there are very many things that I couldn’t afford to achieve,” Knowles said. With Karangwa on board, Knowles is set to launch her new album some time this year. She is also planning to do a collaboration with Cindy, a former member of the Ugandan girl group called Blu3. “I have big plans for Knowles. We’re organising mega concerts in across the country and others in Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Kenya,” Karangwa noted. The Nyamirambo born songstress-songwriter is poised to hit the big time in the Rwandan entertainment and social circles. Her music is an innovative approach of R&B melodies and rhythms with daily experiences that resonate with urban youth across the world. Inspired by Belgium-based Rwandan musician, Cecile Kayirebwa and American R&B singer-songwriter, Brandy Norwood, Knowles’ music is a conscious call to live, dream and hope in curiosity, courage and strength. The 20-year-old ventured into music in 2009 as a secular artist. Knowles is the only child to Jean-Marie Butera and Claire Uwiyambajye. Ends

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Knowles gets a new manager