In the domain of music, certain individuals leave an indelible mark that transcends time and space, continuing to inspire and impact generations long after they are gone. Such is the case with the late singer Yvan Buravan, whose musical flair and cultural contributions have left an enduring legacy that will be celebrated and honored through the official launch of his cultural academy, one year after his untimely passing. This celebration not only commemorates his life and work but also ensures that his vision and influence remain alive and thriving.

The late singer’s legacy celebration organised by YB foundation will take place on August 17, at the YB Foundation premises located in Kiyovu at 5pm.

Talking to The New Times, Raissa Umutoni, YB Foundation founder and sister to the late Buravan, this event aims at celebrating his life with his loved ones and to launch his cultural academy, dedicated to perpetuating his life’s Work.

"As the loved ones of Buravan, this date holds so much to us and we shall gather together to celebrate his enduring legacy through his music, work and of course his cultural school. We have limited space however for people who won’t manage to get a ticket they may visit the YB foundation and learn more of what it offers,” she said.

ALSO READ: Twaje Cultural Academy: Honoring Yvan Buravan legacy

Uncle Austin, singer and close friend to Buravan said that he was passionate about his identity as an artiste and his craft. YB wanted to leave a legacy so strong as though he knew he would leave early.

"YB started as an artist I met but turned into my little brother who was always there not for me but with me. Musically we were synced, socially I don’t know what to say because he was the first person to come and see my daughter back in 2015.

"He was always available for me as I was for him always, I miss his humility, good music ear, YB was just out of this world. His music speaks to souls, it has been a year but up to now I am still in denial really because I haven’t grasped that he really left this world.

"I never say rest in peace YB because it’s too much to accept up to this moment,” said Austin.

Singer Nel Ngabo who featured Buravan in ‘Keza’ said that Buravan’s idea was to let his image stay with us through his music and message.

" For his cultural academy he already had the idea of establishing it Because if you listen to his latest album "TWAJE” he had already transitioned to a new sound, The gakondo style so behind the new sound he was creating he had a bigger picture which was to teach children our culture through his cultural academy,” said Nel Ngabo.

ALSO READ: Buravan's life and legacy: How the young Rwandan singer produced timeless music

As the world marks the first anniversary of Yvan Buravan's passing, his admirers, friends, and family gather to celebrate his enduring legacy. The celebration serves as proof to his impact on the music industry, as well as his role in fostering cultural understanding and unity through his art. During this commemorative event, fans and fellow artists come together to share stories, perform and pay homage to the man whose music touched countless lives.

One of the main things that Buravan will always be remembered for, is not only winning Prix Découvertes RFI contest, or being the only Rwandan artiste to have a successful African tour, but also establishing his own genre that merged modern afro pop and Afrobeats of West Africa with ‘Gakondo’, the traditional style of Rwanda.

The Launch of Twaje Cultural Academy

One of the most significant highlights of this legacy celebration is the official launch of the Yvan Buravan Cultural Academy ‘Twaje Cultural Academy. The visionary academy proves Buravan's dedication to preserving and promoting Rwandan culture through music, arts, and education. The academy aims to create a dedicated space for the younger generation aged four to 18 years to learn and embrace their cultural heritage, provide resources that would enable them to protect their identity while simultaneously equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's modern world.

Continuing Buravan’s Journey

The launch of the Yvan Buravan Cultural Academy is not only a fitting tribute to the late singer but also a manifestation of his enduring spirit. Through this academy, his influence lives on, empowering young talents to embrace their roots, express their creativity, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Rwandan culture. As the academy flourishes, Yvan Buravan's legacy will remain a guiding light for generations to come, a reminder that music has the power to transcend time and touch the hearts of people from all walks of life.

About Buravan

Born 27 years ago on April 27, 1995 in Gikondo, he started his music career in 2009 under the stage name Yvan Buravan but it was not until 2015 when he had a major breakout as an R&B and afro-beat singer and songwriter who went on to release songs such as ‘Urwo Ngukunda’, featuring Uncle Austin, ‘Malaika’, ‘Just a dance’ and many others.

He was the first Rwandan musician to have won the Prix Découvertes RFI musical award in 2018, which propelled him to the bigger stage and put him among the most promising artistes in the region. He is known for songs like ‘Low Key’, ‘With You’, ‘Heaven’, ‘Bindimo’, ‘Si Belle, Just a Dance ’and ‘Gusaakaara’ among many others.

Entrance fee goes for Rwf 30,000 and to book your spot dial *939*3*2# or www.foundationyb.org/events.