ON THE COVER

As Rwandans commemorate 16 years after the 1994 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi, we can’t help but vote Ruth Nirere, alias Shanel for Cover for this week’s Sunday Magazine. The singer-actress has touched the heart of the nation through her vocal and acting skills. The pop star has won both local and regional musical awards, and has also bagged impressive film awards. Shanel has already starred in two films about the 1994 Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi, “Avenir” and The Day God Walked Away. The latter is the latest film release covering the Genocide. Directed by Philipe Van Leeuw, the film follows the story of Jacqueline, a Tutsi, played by Shanel, as she is left behind by the family she was nannying for, as they escaped before the Genocide. The Day God Walked Away was screened on April 7 to thousands of people at the Amahoro national stadium in a vigil. Shanel is also a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and has composed several singles about the tragedy. Ends