Boukuru

Early Life and Background

Uwase Bukuru Christiane, popularly known as Boukuru, was born in May 1997 in Kigali, Rwanda, into a loving family of four sisters. Raised in a nurturing environment with both parents, Boukuru exhibited remarkable talent from a young age. Music was a constant presence in her life, with her journey beginning in the vibrant setting of her church, where she performed in the Sunday school choir.
Her energetic personality, combined with her eloquence and vibrant spirit, often led her into the spotlight, whether during family gatherings, parties, or showcases at her high school. This passion was recognized early on, one day shown her winning the Best Singer Award in 2012 at her then high school.Despite her clear talent, Boukuru envisioned music as merely a hobby; she dreamed of pursuing a more substantial career in ministerial work or a related field.

Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi and Career Shift
In 2018, Boukuru took a playful leap into the professional world of music by participating in Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi, a national art competition initiated by the Imbuto Foundation, led by the First Lady of Rwanda. Her exceptional talent led her to become one of the ten finalists across the country. This experience not only honed her skills but also set her on a path of growth during an incubation phase designed to help finalists turn their artistic gifts into viable careers.
Following this competition, Boukuru secured her first paying gig in late 2018, which marked a pivotal moment where she began to view music as a potential source of income. Nevertheless, she maintained her job as an administrative assistant, balancing her newfound passion with professional responsibilities.

Musical Breakthrough and Continued Success
Boukuru's career took a significant turn with the release of her debut single, "Indamu," in 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. The encouragement from her listeners fueled her determination, and she began to gain recognition within the music industry. This led to numerous performance opportunities on prominent stages, such as the Iwacu Muzika Festival and the European Union International Peace Concert in 2021. She gained even more acclaim by opening for renowned artists during significant events, including the Kwita Izina annual gorilla naming ceremony in 2022 and 2023, featuring global stars like Youssou N'Dour and Asa.
In 2023, she continued to solidify her place in the industry through her international performances namely Marafiki Music Festival 2022 in Tanzania and opening for Nigerian artist Kizz Daniel at the Flytime Festival in Nigeria.
In 2023, Boukuru released a new single titled "Silence," which was met with great demand from her growing fanbase. Realizing the challenges of balancing her burgeoning music career with her role as a procurement manager, she made the strategic decision to quit her job in 2024. This choice came shortly after the release of her first album, "Gikundiro," on July 31, 2024.
In 2025, Boukuru released yet another flawless single titled ‘Turi Hano’, in celebration of International Women’s Day. ‘Turi Hano’...