Knowles (singer)
Knowles | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Jeanne Ingabire Butera |
Born | 1 October 1990 (age 26) |
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] in 2015, Knowless Butera won the Primus Gumma Gumma Superstar 5th Edition, and she is the first woman to win such a competition
References
- 1 2 3 Baike, Prisca (11 August 2013). "Rwanda’s ‘Beyonce’ to rock Kampala". New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- 1 2 3 Baike, Prisca (2 January 2012). "Knowles: Rwanda's True Music Diva!". Tukabyine. Rwanda. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- 1 2 Asiimwe, Peninah (14 April 2013). "Action packed: Female stars take over Rwanda". The Rwanda Focus. Rwanda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ↑ Kwesiga, Brian (28 June 2013). "Interview: Tom Close Promises Fire At Rwanda Nite". Chimp Reports. Rwanda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ↑ Ndushabandi, Charles (11 August 2013). "Riderman Wins Rwanda Talent Search". New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ↑ "Knowles applauds Rwanda day". RwandaShow. Rwanda. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.