Growing up with a single mother, Afro-pop singer Alyn Sano’s childhood was characterized by hard work and determination, qualities that now define her career.
“Growing up with a young single mother who had many children to care for—and who also needed to care for herself—shaped me into the person I am today. I learned early on that I had to find solutions within myself,” says the “Rumuri” crooner in an exclusive interview with The Kigali Journal.
Her musical journey began in 2011 when she joined the choir at College Adventist de Gitwe, but the passion for singing stretched beyond the church walls after she tasted, approved and got a trust from fans.
After high school, financial challenges compelled her to expand her craft. In 2015, she transitioned from singing in the Adventist choir to performing at secular concerts, starting with a comedy show at Kigali Serena Hotel alongside Hope Irakoze.
This decision, though controversial within her church community, marked a turning point. Her choice to pursue secular music was fueled by her love for performance and the need to fund her education at Akilah Institute for Women, where she studied Hospitality Management.
In 2016, the vocalist released her debut single, ‘Witinda’, a song she still holds dear. However, over the years, she built an impressive repertoire, including hits like ‘Naremewe’, ‘Boo and Bae’, ‘Fake Gee’, ‘Positive’, ‘Boom’, and ‘We the Best’ and many more on her discographies.
Her talent reached a wider audience when she participated in the third season of The Voice Afrique Francophone in 2020. Representing Rwanda, she wowed judges and viewers with her vocal prowess, making it to the finals of the prestigious competition held in South Africa.
‘Rumuri’: An album of hope and resilience
Her latest album, ‘Rumuri’[light], she describes as a “timeless” project, epitomizes her growth as an artist and an individual. The 13-track collection blends Afro-pop with deeply personal narratives.
The track “Rumuri” named after the album is deeply personal for the singer, drawing inspiration from trailblazing poetess Nyirarumaga, who exemplified powerful womanhood and paved the way for future generations.
Alyn views her own resilience as a testament to perseverance, believing that there’s never a reason to quit, no matter the challenges. ‘Rumuri,’ reflects the idea that in moments of despair and darkness, we may feel overwhelmed, but the solutions to our problems lie within ourselves. Light, she believes, has the power to dispel darkness and lead to hope.
She describes the album as “unique, original, and historical,” reflecting her journey of self-discovery and her commitment to being a voice for voiceless women.
Performing on local, international stages
Her career, which she describes as “resilience, availability, hope, and self-discovery,” has also earned her invitations to local and international events and nominations for prestigious awards, further solidifying her place in the global music scene.
The singer has performed at prestigious events such as the Women Deliver conference in Rwanda (2023), Youth Connekt Summits, FIA General Assembly and Awards (2024), the MTC OAS1SONE Skeleton Coast Festival in Namibia (2023), and various local concerts. According to Alyn, her vibrant energy is most evident on stage, surprising many who might not expect it from her off-stage persona.
“I realized that I need to approach it with the dedication of a farmer or cattle keeper, understanding that it’s not just a career but something many people depend on,” she said.
Like many artists, her career has faced challenges. She revealed that working with partners who couldn’t consistently support her projects often left her feeling discouraged, to the point of considering quitting music.
“It was a big challenge that almost ended my music career,” she said. Despite this, her resilience has allowed her to continue pursuing her passion independently, keeping her music alive against the odds.
Sano’s impact transcends her music. As a woman in a predominantly male industry, she uses her platform to address societal issues, particularly those affecting women, inspiring fans through her lyrics and advocacy.
Sano believes female artists play a crucial role as advocates for voiceless women, shedding light on long standing social issues.
“We’re like therapists for our fellow women in one way or another. We need to encourage them to speak out,” she said. However, Sano clarified that she doesn’t subscribe to the belief that women should aim to do everything men do.
“Everyone has their own strengths. Our role as female artists is to highlight these issues and work towards their resolution.” She asserted.
Alyn has won numerous awards, including the prestigious “Woman of the Decade” from her former university. Other accolades include Best Female Artist awards for 2021, 2022, and 2023 from platforms such as Kiss Summer Awards, Isango Na Muzika, and Karisimbi Events. She also received the Best Collaboration Song of the Year award for her hit track “Say Less”, among other achievements.
Her perfect weekend
The “Tamu Sana” singer shared that her weekends are often spent in the studio, as she finds it the perfect time to reflect, meditate, and develop ideas.
However, when she’s not in a session, she enjoys watching movies or catching up on sleep. addeding that she and her close circle are not partygoers.
The singer is currently working on her second album, which she revealed could be released later this year. In the meantime, she plans to release singles to keep her fans entertained and engaged.