Rwanda’s fast-rising singer Christiane Bukuru, known artistically as Boukuru, has announced that she will launch her debut album ‘Gikundiro’ on September 6 at Norrsken Kigali. The album, which promises to be a soulful blend of Afrobeat and modern classical influences, has been crafted with collaborations of renowned African producers, including Rwanda’s Nehemiah Shami, a gifted pianist and producer with a modern touch, Michael Makembe and Flyest Music as well as Nigerian producer Papi J who is known for his work with P-Square. ALSO READ: Christiane Boukuru: My love for music is innate During a press briefing on August 21, Boukuru shared insights into the album's creation, highlighting that each song tells its own story, a testament to the deeply personal nature of the project. The album's concept began to take shape in September in 2023, with the artiste initially planning to work exclusively with Michael Makembe. However, as the creative process evolved, the artiste sought out additional talents to bring a unique flavor to each track. “I met Shami, a pianist with a classical style, and I thought, 'why not have him produce a song?' His modern touch really complemented the Afrobeat elements I wanted to explore,” Boukuru explained. The album comprises 11 songs of which three were produced by Michael Makembe, four by Flyest Music and two by Nehemiah Shami while Papi J worked on one song. Makembe crafted ‘Gikundiro,’ which is named after the album, ‘Ndakubona’ and ‘Umva Iyi Nganzo’ while Shami worked on ‘Ndagukunda,’ ‘Umwali,’ ‘Rest’ and ‘Wintoteza.’ She performed the latter during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi held at BK Arena. Flyest produced two tracks on Boukuru’s album including ‘Gukura’ and ‘Ntacyo Mbaye.’ “Each song on the album has its own story, and I wanted to make sure that the production reflected the diversity of those narratives,” Boukuru said. One of the tracks, ‘Experience,’ was inspired by her participation in Flyfest, an annual festival in Nigeria that brings together emerging and established artists from across the continent. “From my experience here, that is how I came up with this idea,” he said. ALSO READ: VIDEO: Hot Seat with Christiane Boukuru “During my time in Nigeria nothing went the way we wanted, the food would delay and sometimes things would take turns, that’s when I realized that these unexpected moments, no matter how frustrating, lead to experiences that are memorable and shape who we are. “The excitement was real, when I realized that I can work with Papi J, who’s collaborated with P-Square, and I thought, I really needed him on my CV, and ‘Experience’ really came up good and great all because of the experience I had in Nigeria.” The album, whose songs are available on Boukuru’s streaming platforms, is expected to resonate with fans not only in Rwanda but across Africa. The artiste emphasized that the songs were written with the intention of being relatable to a wide audience, drawing on universal themes that connect listeners to their own experiences. “This album is very personal to me, but I also wanted it to speak to everyone who listens to it. The themes are universal, and I hope people can find something of themselves in these songs,” she said. Boukuru ventured into a musical career since 2018. She is currently doing music under the management of Isaac Mugisha’s Metro Afro, something that she described as a harmonious partnership. And Mugisha, known for his hands-on approach, recognized Boukuru’s talent and unique voice early on, and together, they have crafted a path that promises to elevate her music to new heights with her debut album, Gikundiro. I chose to work with Boukuru because music is personal to both of us. Her love for her craft and her unique voice create soulful music that truly sets her apart,” Mugisha said. “Before we signed the contract, we made sure we were on the same page to avoid any disputes, whether financial or otherwise, because we have seen many artists struggle due to miscommunication with their managers.” “Our goal is always to bring out the best in the artists we manage, and we’re committed to doing the same for her,” said Mugisha. ‘Gikundiro’ album launch concert will feature performances from other notable musicians, including Impakanizi and Peace Jolis. As the concert countdown continues, the anticipation is building up for what promises to be a landmark moment in Rwandan music. The album is available on all major streaming platforms today, allowing fans worldwide to join in the celebration of this new chapter in the Boukur's career.
