She is known for her determination and courageous character. And Shanel is now taking her singing career to a new level as she records her latest album.

"I am recording my second album of 10-tracks, but its name and date for the release will be communicated soon,” Shanel said.

Shanel’s studio album will be composed of traditional and contemporary songs, as a strategies relating to promoting Rwanda’s cultural values and contributing to enhanced respect for cultural diversity.

In an interview with The New Times, the singer said of the album: "I want to release something rich with our culture and tasty,” she noted.

Shanel was born on October 26, 1985 and started singing in her early days. She released her first songs ‘Ntituzabibagirwa’ – We’ll Never Forget You, and ‘Ndirire nde?’ – Who should I cry to?’ in 1999, with the aim of healing broken hearts; and to pay tribute to the victims of 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The songs continue to play on national television each year during the mourning period.

In 2008, Shanel released a single ‘Ndarota’ – I am dreaming. The Zouk song has been a hit in Rwanda ever since its release, with its video played even in televisions stations within the region. In May 2009, she recorded her Swahili song ‘Nakutaka’— ‘I Want You’, featuring Kenyan artiste Wayre.

Shanel is also an actress. She has had major roles in two films, Rwanda, Le Jour Où Dieu est Parti en Voyage – Rwanda, the Day God Went on a Trip’, produced by Artemis and Mugho Productions in 2008 and ‘Long coat’ by Edward Bamporiki in 2009. The Long Coat script won an award in Focus Feature/Africa First Festival in New York.

Meanwhile, the star knows that behind her innocent face lies a mind as sharp as the proverbial steel trap. Shanel has been instrumental in founding the Rwanda Artistes Association, an umbrella organisation that brings together potential Rwandan artistes. She is the Vice Chairperson of the association.

Ends