Alpha Rwirangira
| Alpha Rwirangira | |
|---|---|
|
During Alpha and Rah P Africa Swager Video Shot | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Alpha Rwi |
| Born | May 25, 1986 |
| Origin | Rwandan, Tanzanian |
| Occupation(s) | Singer/song writer |
| Instruments | Vocalist |
| Years active | 2008–present |
Alpha Rwirangira (born 25 May 1986) is a Rwandan singer/song writer. He sings world music, reggae, soul R&B, and dance music all in English, Swahili and Kinyarwanda.
Music
It was after Rwirangira won the East Africa Tusker Project Fame that his professional music career began.[1] This lead him to record and collaborate with Tanzanian A.Y. on a song called Songa Mbele, and Bebe Cool, on Come To Me song.[2]
After the release of the song, rumors began to circulate that Rwirangira "is not a true Rwandan", because he's cousin to A.Y.[3] After winning Tusker Project Fame, Alpha started touring all over East Africa.
In 2010, Rwirangira finalized and released his debut album called One Africa an album that promoted unity and reconciliation among Africans, he then launched it in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.[4]
In 2012 Rwirangira moved to the United States to attend Campbellsville University, in Kentucky to pursue his music studies.[5]
In 2012 during his Christmas vacation in Rwanda, Rwirangira recorded two singles, one with King James "Connected", "Beautiful" with Peace and "African Swagga featuring Rah P.[6] In 2013 he worked with La'Myia Good on a song called "Heaven".[7]
One Africa album
- Songa Mbele Ft. A.Y. From (Tanzania)
- Come To Me Ft. Bebe Cool (Uganda)
- One Africa
- Mama
- Love Ft. Junior (Rwanda)
- This Child
- Mwami
- Happy Day Ft. Spax (Rwanda)
- Only you
- Ndagukunda “I Love You” Ft. Princes Priscilla (Rwanda)
Awards
Won
- 2010 Pearl of Africa Music Awards - Best Male Rwanda Artist Year[8]
- 2011 Pearl of Africa Music Awards - Best Rwanda Male Artist[9]
- 2011 AMAMU Awards (Afrotainment Museke Africa Music Awards) - Best East African Song of the year for Songa Mbele (Let's move forward).
Nominations
- 2011 Tanzania Music Awards - Best East African Song for Songa Mbele featuring A.Y.,
Controversy
Alpha Rwirangira won the 2011 Pearl of Africa Music Awards as Rwanda Best Male Artist, but he refused to attend the award ceremony, because he felt it was poorly organized.[10]
Alpha Rwirangira refused to sign with South African Record Label Gallo Record Company as part of Tusker Project Fame Season 3 winnings.[11] He also accused Tusker Project Fame of not helping past winners and they were in this for making money.[12]
References
- ↑ Orido, Fred (October 11, 2009). "Alpha bags Sh5m in Project Fame". Daily Nation.
- ↑ "Alpha Feat Ay Mp3 Download". MP3SWIFT.COM.
- ↑ "TPF3 Winner is Tanzanian". Red Pepper. 22 October 2009.
- ↑ "Alpha in the US for music studies". Kigali Konnect. January 10, 2012.
- ↑ "Campbellsville University’s Frazier and Alpha Rwirangira speak at Taylor County Elementary". Campbellsville University. March 20, 2013.
- ↑ "Alpha Rwirangira drops new single". The New Times. May 15, 2013.
- ↑ Kimenyi, Bryan (June 28, 2013). "Alpha collaborates with American starlet in new single". The New Times.
- ↑ "PAMS Awards 2010; Here are the Winners". Hipipo. November 7, 2010.
- ↑ "Pam Awards 2011 Winners; Iryn Namubiru Takes Artist of the Year". Hipipo. November 6, 2011.
- ↑ Kirya, Anne (November 21, 2011). "Alpha: Music king without crown". The Rwanda Focus.
- ↑ "Tusker Project Fame's Alpha created his problems". The Kenyan Daily Post. June 29, 2012.
- ↑ Munyaneza, Emma (June 27, 2012). "Alpha slams Tusker Project Fame organisers". The New Times.