Yvan Buravan, the beloved Rwandan artist who passed away from pancreatic cancer on August 22, 2022, would have turned 29 this year.
Though his voice has been silenced and life cut short, his legacy continues to inspire through initiatives led by his family and friends, who aim to preserve his memory and uplift future generations.
On October 26, Buravan’s dream of performing at BK Arena came to life, two years after his passing, with “Twaje Fest”, a vibrant tribute to his life and music.
Organised by the YB Foundation, which was launched on December 4, 2023, the event not only honoured Buravan’s artistic vision but also aimed to combat the rising cases of cancer in Rwanda.
The festival showcased eight unforgettable moments, reinforcing Buravan’s message of unity, creativity, and cultural pride.
- A heartwarming documentary and cultural opening
The event began at 2:00 p.m. with a moving documentary that chronicled Buravan’s life, career, and the impact he left behind. Following the documentary, the traditional Ibihame dance troupe performance paid tribute to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage—an element Buravan often infused into his work in the last days.
- Cancer awareness campaign
The disease that claimed Buravan’s life, cancer screenings were offered to attendees before the event began. Medical professionals also provided advice on breast cancer prevention, symbolising the event’s broader mission to create awareness about cancer.
- A star-studded lineup celebrating his music
The stage came alive with performances from 15 top Rwandan artists, including Jules Sentore, Aline Sano, Ruti Joel, Andy Bumuntu, Christine Boukuru, France Mpundu, Nel Ngabo Mike Kayihura, Ish Kevin and more. Each performer brought a unique touch to Buravan’s songs, captivating both local and international fans who gathered to honour his viva memory.
On the list songs such as “Tiku Tiku”, “Gusaakaara”, “Big time”, “VIP”, “Ituro”, and more left no one seated.
- Touching moments of tribute
A special moment unfolded when singer Mani Martin unveiled a portrait of Buravan, celebrating his spirit through art. Later, Buravan’s own song “Ituro” dedicated to his parents was performed—an emotional highlight that left the audience (some) in tears as it resonated deeply with his family.
- A rapper’s tribute and unexpected challenges
Ish Kevin, the only rapper at the event, delivered a high-energy performance of “VIP,” a collaboration he recorded with Buravan. The rapper’s dynamic presence drew applause, though a wardrobe mishap, his pants tearing onstage, added an unexpected twist. He humorously switched to shorts, keeping the crowd entertained even more.
- Memorable collaborations between artists
Several artists showcased extraordinary collaborations that exemplified unity in Rwanda’s music industry. Andy Bumuntu and France Mpundu delivered a soulful duet of “On Fire,” while Juno Kizigenza and Nel Ngabo teamed up for a stirring rendition of “Yaraje,” another fan-favourite. Alyn Sano and Jules Sentore also dazzled the audience with their harmonised versions of Buravan’s hits.
- Emotional performances and symbolic gestures
Christine Boukuru and Mike Kayihura’s performance, accompanied by a black-and-white hospital-themed video, underlined the event’s theme—“Intore Ntipfa ahubwo ica umugara” loosely translated as “heroes never die”.
This symbolic piece reminded attendees that Buravan’s spirit and contributions would forever be part of Rwanda’s cultural landscape. The evening ended with all performers presenting flowers to Buravan’s parents as a gesture of gratitude and remembrance.
- A dream fulfilled at BK Arena
One of Buravan’s lifelong dreams was to perform at BK Arena, and although he could not witness it in person, the Twaje Fest made that dream a reality. As the concert ended with a group photo of all performers standing beside Buravan’s portrait, Intore Masamba expressed gratitude to the audience and urged everyone to continue listening to Buravan’s music to keep his legacy alive.
The YB Foundation not only aims to preserve Buravan’s music but also supports young artists and promotes cancer awareness. The foundation, together with partners, is working on releasing new compilations, including the “Twaje Deluxe” album—featuring unreleased songs by Buravan.
However, Yvan Buravan’s impact on Rwanda’s music industry remains unmatched. In 2018, he became the first Rwandan to win the prestigious Prix Découvertes RFI, a feat that cemented his name on the African music stage.
Though his journey ended too soon, Twaje Fest ensured that his dream, music, and message continue to inspire future generations.
