THE Rwanda Fashion Festival (RFF) on Thursday declared French-based Rwandan crooner, Lokua Kanza, as the winner of the annual culture and music award.

The ceremony, which was held at Chez Robert Restaurant, featured rousing performances by various artistes, including Miss Shanel, Mani Martin, Eric Mucyo and Christelle.

Speaking at the event, the founder of Rwanda Fashion Festival, Dady de Maximo Mwicira Mitali, explained that Kanza won the award based on his ability in the music industry, promotion of the African culture and music as well as inspiring upcoming musicians.

"We shall continue to organise such events in recognition of successful artistes,” Mitali said.

In his acceptance speech, Kanza said that he was privileged to have won the award. "I’m honoured for the recognition. In fact, it is my second visit in the country, and had specifically come to join with my brothers and sisters in the 17th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” Kanza said.

Kanza who was born to a Congolese father and a Rwandan mother in April 1958 in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and composer.

He is known for his soulful, folksy sound, which is atypical of the dance floor friendly soukous music common in DRC.

The star is currently based in Paris, France and he has on different occasions performed in Europe, the US, Japan and numerous African countries. He sings in English, French, Swahili, Portuguese and Lingala.

Ends