Celebrity Watch: Knowles

Jeanne D’arc Butera, better known by her stage name, Knowles, is a young Rwandan female singer-songwriter and aspiring actress. The 20-year-old derives her inspiration from Rwandan folk musician, Cecile Kayirebwa and African-American songstress, Brandy. She started singing at about 10 years of age but was discovered in 2009, after singing with R&B singers, Young Junior and The Ben. Her solo singles like “Ko Uhinduka”, “Komeza” and her latest, “Byarakomeye” was the reason for her nomination for “best female” artists in the Salax Awards; however, she lost to Miss Jojo. However, she was crowned as “best newcomer”. She recently recorded a dancehall single, “Byemere”, with Uganda’s Vampos, and plans to record another with Cindy, also from the same country. Knowles is in a famous relationship with Safi Lee, the lead vocalist of Urban Boys music group. She completed high school last year, and said she plans to sing throughout her University time. Knowles mentions her hard times in music as; the time when she was trying to convince her parents to let her sing. With her fine voice and striking beauty, Knowles has made it. “I am working hard to become the best female artist in Rwanda and become famous beyond our borders,” she says. Ends