ON THE COVER : Anaella Rusaro

This lovely gospel artist, Anaella Rusaro, was born on May 9, 1990 in Bujumbura, Burundi. She is a daughter to one of the country’s famous entertainment moguls, Cobra (the owner of Cadillac and Mama Africa restaurant) and Chantal Ntabashwa. Rusaro is the second born in a family five children. She is a former student at Lycée la Colombière and is currently in her senior six vacation. Those who grew up with her remember her as a hospitable, obedient and charming youngster. Rusaro grew up learning how to sing by watching international artists perform on television. She cites Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Britney Spears as her role models. She says she used to mime and sing for countless hours, all with a dream of becoming a star one day. Never did she realise that God had a big plan for her life. She never thought one day, she would lead God’s people in praise and worship. “Singing and acting was my dream. In 2005, I joined my father’s band, Muchachos and it helped me to develop my music career,” Rusaro recalls. It might come to you as a surprise, but Rusaro was also once a deejay. However, all that is now history, because ever since Rusaro accepted Jesus Christ as her saviour in 2007, she does not sing secular music anymore. “I now sing for the living God and ever since I started singing gospel music, many incredible things have happened in my life,” Rusaro says. Rusaro has already released two gospel singles, ‘Inshuti idasanzwe’ and ‘Ur’Imana’. She has also signed a contract with Moriah Entertainment Group, for her management and promotion. Favourite dish and style Rusaro mentions spaghetti, chips and chicken as her favourite dish. She also says that she is obsessed with shopping. “I’m crazy about shopping and my favourite craze is boy’s style, baggy jeans and sneakers,” she says to emphasise her point. “I often visit fashion stores in town to see the latest styles.” However, the singer confesses that she has not visited many places, because she hates travelling long distances. Rusaro adds that she plans to pursue a Bachelors Degree in theology and also wants to take care of young children. Ends