Knowles (singer)

Butera Knowless, born Butera jeanne d'Arc, is a Rwandan singer. Her stage name is taken from American R&B vocalist Beyoncé Knowles. Butera Knowless writes many of her own songs and is known as a strong entertainer famous for her dancing and beauty. Her songs touch on such themes as romantic relationships, societal issues and daily life.^[1]

History

Early years

Butera was born in Ruhango District on 1 October 1990, the only child of Jean-Marie Vianney Butera and Marie Claire Uyambaje, who are both deceased. Her mother was formerly the lead singer in a local Seventh-day Adventist church choir. Butera attended ESCAF primary school in Nyamirambo, APARUDE secondary school in Ruhango and APACE secondary school in Kigali with a focus on computer sciences and management. As a teenager she sang in the local choir. In 2012 she began to pursue a university degree at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology.^[2]

Musical career

Knowles released her debut album, Komeza, in December 2011.^[2] Her second album, Uwo Ndiwe, was released in March 2013.^[3] Knowles is managed under the label Kina Music.^[4]

She has performed throughout Rwanda and in neighboring countries, including Uganda,^[1] and has collaborated with numerous artists, including Rwandans Danny, Paccy, Ciney, Jay Polly, Kamichi and Urban Boyz, and Ugandan group Vampos. She has named Belgium-based Rwandan musician Cecile Kayirebwa and American R&B singer-songwriter Brandy Norwood as inspirations.^[2]

Awards

Knowles won "Best New Artiste" in the 2010 Salax Awards competition.^[1] In August 2013, she took third place in the annual Primus Guma Guma Super Star talent competition, held at Amahoro Stadium.^[5] In March 2013 she won her second Salax Award, this time in the category of "Best Female Artist".^[3]

In 2013, Knowles was one of three Rwandan acts to perform at the "Rwanda Day" event held in London.^[6]

References