Rwandan female rapper Aisha Uwimana, aka Ciney, was recently awarded by the ‘Ndule’ Awards Group in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"Ndule” is a Lingala word meaning music. The annual awards are aimed at recognising artiste’s effort towards contributing to the development of the music industry in the region.

The awarding ceremony that took place in Kinshasa mainly attracted musicians from Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, Burundi and Kenya, according to Ciney.

"I was invited and upon arrival, I realised that I was also to be awarded; not for attending the ceremony, but for my efforts as a musician to contribute towards the music industry development,” Ciney said.

She explained that the award is a major boost to her music career and that it will help her to easily penetrate the Congolese market.

According to budding rapper, she was selected for the award due to her commitment and hard work which has led to some of her songs being recognized around the continent.

"When I sing, I am looking at the bigger picture; like I have always said, my aim is to have my music cross borders and this award is actually one of the factors that confirm that I am on the right track,” she said.

Recently, Ciney released her latest single dubbed ‘Africa’ in which she preaches hard work among Africans in their respective countries. In her song, she says it’s through hard work that the world’s poorest continent will develop.

The song which is a popular hit on local radio stations is a joint effort with Fireman, also another local rapper.

This is the second award Ciney has received this year. In September, she was among the six female musicians who were awarded by Diva Awards Afrika – Rwanda chapter for their contribution to Rwanda’s growing music industry.

Diva Awards Afrika is the only contest that recognises female achievers in East Africa as well as awarding exemplary women in their respective social and economic fields. The company started operating in Rwanda this year after four years of operation in Uganda and Kenya.

In an event that took place at Kigali Serena Hotel, Ciney received the Best Women song award. Her single "Igire” which challenges women and girls to desist from over relying on their husbands or parents and inspires them to develop the culture of working to be able to meet their financial needs earned the rapper the award.