Rwandan deejay Sonia Kayitesi, popularly known as DJ Sonia, was Friday, February 16, nominated in the Youth Excellence Awards (YEA) where she will be competing for a prize in the DJ of the Year category against the likes of Ghanaian Sta and Sena among other DJs across Africa.

The nomination, her very first on a continental level, comes after DJ Sonia's significant rise in the Rwandan music industry as one of the few female disc jockeys in the country to headline major events.

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Reacting on the nomination, the 25-year-old DJ told The New Times that it is huge and inspiring to see her work recognized by YEA, adding that it will take her music career to places and attract more women in the local deejaying career which is predominantly a male-dominated industry.

"I never thought I could be recognized on such a big level, but it's a sign that we're slowly getting there. I can't wait to land in Ghana and represent my country," DJ Sonia said in an interview.

The DJ further highlighted how the country's role in supporting talent is laying a foundation for young people and businesses in the country to meaningfully participate in major platforms like YEA.

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Since its inception in 2017, the Youth Excellence Award Africa has been recognising young people who are making a significant impact across all sectors of work in Ghana and Africa.

It's a platform that brings together all hardworking young people to network and build business relationships, showing them that excellence and success can be achieved at a tender age.

DJ Sonia went from a live radio session on Magic FM to playing in some of Kigali's best night spots and has never looked back.

Despite being affected by the pandemic; she is now one of the best female disc jockeys in town, playing on the biggest stages around the country.