Knowles (singer)

Knowles
Background information
Birth name Jeanne Ingabire Butera
Born 1 October 1990 (1990-10) (age 25)
Origin Rwanda
Genres R&B
Occupation(s) Singer
Instruments Vocals
Years active 2011 - present

Knowles (born Jeanne Ingabire Buteru on 1 October 1990) is a Rwandan singer. Her stage name is taken from American R&B vocalist Beyoncé Knowles. Butera 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 Kacyiru, 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

  1. 1 2 3 Baike, Prisca (11 August 2013). "Rwanda’s ‘Beyonce’ to rock Kampala". New Times (Rwanda). Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Baike, Prisca (2 January 2012). "Knowles: Rwanda's True Music Diva!". Tukabyine. Rwanda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  3. 1 2 Asiimwe, Peninah (14 April 2013). "Action packed: Female stars take over Rwanda". The Rwanda Focus (Rwanda). Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  4. ↑ Kwesiga, Brian (28 June 2013). "Interview: Tom Close Promises Fire At Rwanda Nite". Chimp Reports (Rwanda). Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  5. ↑ Ndushabandi, Charles (11 August 2013). "Riderman Wins Rwanda Talent Search". New Times (Rwanda). Retrieved 12 August 2013.
  6. ↑ "Knowles applauds Rwanda day". RwandaShow (Rwanda). 21 May 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
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