DAVID NDAGIJIMANA, also known as No Stress, has found his niche in poetry and uses his art to express refugee life and convey different messages to society.

Born and raised in Burundi, the 24-year-old started doing poetry when he was ten, drawing inspiration from his grandfather who was also a poet.

One day, while performing a poem about marriage, Ndagijimana got moved by his performance and started to imitate him.

David Ndagijimana, also known as No Stress performing poetry 

Since then, he started writing and reciting poems reflecting his life, his culture, nepotism, homelessness, hopelessness, worries and moans of different people.

In 2015, he became a refugee in Rwanda after fleeing Burundi due to insecurity, but his art of poetry didn’t flee him.

The artist believes that when people are listening to his poems, they feel good and learn lessons concerning how best they can behave and how they can mend broken hearts.

"They also get hope for tomorrow, learn how humanity is very important thus helping each other,” he said.

Some of his poems include ‘Ndi wa Mwana w'Umurundi,’ ‘Who Am I? Ikete ku Mana,’ ‘My Country,’ ‘Impanuro,’ ‘I Miss My Home,’ ‘No Real Love,’ among others and they tackle daily life themes like refugee's life, culture, social cohesion, love, leadership, marriage, among others.

Ndagijimana has scooped awards in different poetry competitions including ‘On the Wings of Technology’ organised by Transpoesis and another one about nutrition which was organised by Plan International together with NEC company, among others.

He declared that it made him get known and earn money through performing in different ceremonies.

"Poetry means life to me,” he continued. "People love my poems and that’s one of the things that motivate me. They are always waiting for my new poem.”

In October 2021, Ndagijimana created a team named ‘Trans.Poesis’ at Mahama Refugee Camp as a way of spreading the art of poetry to his community.

Talking about the local art industry, he said that he acknowledges that poems are not being given enough time, support and opportunities like other art sectors, adding that he strives to make his poems and those of fellow poets reach a better stage.

As a refugee child who stays in the camp most of the time, his challenge reflects insufficient means to record his poems hence he is looking for support.

Ndagijimana also thrives to let the world learn from his poems and to work hard to get management and a lot of followers.

He also plans to write a poetry book which he said will be used to teach people, adding that if he gets money, he’ll make a studio and TV which will help talented poor children.

He can be found on YouTube: David ndagijimana, WhatsApp: +25078599588 or Email: davyndagijimana2020@gmail.com