Fast rising singer Confy on October 24, opened up about his experience living with vitiligo. The 24-year-old took to his social media handles to share his story, and the responses from fellow artists and diehard fans has been overwhelming.
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The ‘Jowana’ singer, real name Confiance Munyaneza, shared how living with vitiligo has made him a stronger and more resilient person. "I've learned to look in the mirror and see a work of art, not marred but enhanced by the presence of vitiligo’s beauty. Living with vitiligo has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and acceptance that has spanned nearly a year,” he said.
The Kiss Summer Award 2021 winner added: "At first, I was apprehensive, even fearful, of the changes my skin was undergoing, but as time passed, I realized that this condition is merely a canvas on which my uniqueness is painted.”
The Afro pop star’s decision to share his experience not only sheds light on the importance of self-acceptance but also highlights his personal growth.
"As I continue to embrace my vitiligo, I hope to inspire others to do the same. It's not about the patches on our skin; it's about the patches in our hearts, the empathy and understanding that grow within us.”
"I'm on a mission to shatter stereotypes and encourage a world that values uniqueness and diversity. Vitiligo is not a burden; it's a beautiful part of who I am. I choose to wear it with pride,” he added.
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In an interview with The New Times, the singer shared that "it started as a small patch and kept on getting bigger and bigger however I still feel the same regarding the change of my skin color, nothing changed.”
"I cannot say that accepting it was such an easy thing, of course it is not. However, I invite people with the same situation to join my journey of self-love and acceptance,” he added.
Confy started his music career in 2018. He is best known for his hit songs such as ‘Igikwe’, ‘Jowana’, ‘Panga’, ‘Confirm’, ‘Komusa’, ‘Kloza’, Pole Pole to mention but a few.
His post received a flood of comments commending his courage and showing support for his brave journey. Many of his fans and followers found his openness about his condition inspiring.
Dj Phil Peter commented: "My Gee! Strong mind and heart are all we need in this life and you got them all.” Junior Jiti added: "Acceptance is a heroic step; you are a winning young king.”
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According to Francoise Gahongayire, a dermatologist at King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, vitiligo is a condition whereby one develops white patches on their skin. It’s an autoimmune disease which most of the time is genetic and can appear on any area of the body.
"Vitiligo is caused by the loss of pigment in the skin known as melanin. This pigment is the one that is responsible for giving the skin its characteristic color,” she explained.
About treatment
Jean-Chrysostome Kagimbana, a dermatologist and Director of Medical services at Rwanda Military Hospital said that: "it depends and varies from one person to another and it doesn’t change anything on one’s skin except color. Maintenance treatments can restore colour but patches that affect one side of your body or one area, such as your hands, mouth and the soles of the foot, one lives it forever.”