The death of Rwandan singer buravan, real name Yvan Burabyo, at age 27, left his fans struggling to come to terms with the loss of one of R&B and Afrobeats stars that Rwanda ever had.
His management informed him that the singer had died from pancreatic Cancer in India, where he had been receiving treatment for two weeks.
Buravan was born April 27, 1995 in Gikondo in Kicukiro district. She was the sixth child in a six-member family to Michael Burabyo, Elizabeth Uwikunda.
He was a singer, song composer, and singer. His brother bought him a small piano at the age of five. He was also a talented football player in his neighborhood until music caught his attention.
Buravan went to Ecole Le Petit Prince for his primary education and College Amis des Enfants as well as La Colombiere for his secondary education before joining University of Rwanda – College of Business and Economics, to pursue a bachelors degree in Business Information and Technology.
Buravan’s music quickly gained a following unlike previous generations of musicians who had to climb for years to reach the top. Buravan was 14 years old when he won the first place in a Rwandatel singing contest. This inspired him to begin a music career.
Buravan rose in stardom in 2015 following signing a contract to New level Record Label. This music house was responsible for managing major artistes in Rwanda such as Active Again.
With the help of New Level, Buravan produced a number of hits including, ‘Urwo Ngukunda’, which came out in 2015 featuring Uncle Austin, who is credited for introducing him to the mainstream music scene, and “Malaika” released in 2016 that propelled him into the limelight.
Buravan’s success with the two tracks led to more releases, including Ninjye Nawe,?Just a Dance,?This is Love,?Oya,??Garagaza, & ’Si Belle, among others.
In 2018, Buravan released his debut album, ‘The Love Lab’, after being the first Rwandan musician to win the Prix Decouvertes RFI musical and as part of the winning package, he made a tour to 12 African countries, making it his first tour.
Buravan returned to Rwanda after his first tour around the world with the intention of creating his own music that would give Rwandan music an identity.
Buravan stated that he produced the majority of the tracks on his second album, “Ye Ayee”, in an interview with The New Times 2021. He incorporated traditional and modern sounds to create his own style.
On December 19, 2021, he released his second album, “Twaje”, featuring fast rising artists such as IshKevin Ruti, DJ Marnaud and Andy Bumuntu.
Buravan had already released visuals for four tracks from his second album, and was planning on dropping VIP’s video clip featuring Ish.
Bruce Intore, a member of Buravan’s management team, announced plans to drop some of Buravan’s unreleased projects.
Tributes keep pouring in
“I don’t know how to feel right now and all I can do is cry like we were close friends. But once it makes sense, then I will send you a track to tell you Malaika put a pencil in my hands and inspired to write my own songs,” Ritha Ange Kaju, a fast rising artist posted on her Instagram page.
Mike Kayihura, a rising artist, wrote on Instagram, “YB we’re empty today, but we keep the ball rolling.” I will miss you. You are my brother. Peace” reads Mike Kayihura’s tribute on Instagram.
“Just like your name. The flowers that bloom will always remind us about your smiling soul. DJ Pius posted a picture on Instagram that reads: “Forever our brother, until we meet again.”
Danny Beats, a producer who worked on Buravan’s projects, also expressed his sorrow through Twitter.
“I wish it was just a nightmare!” Rest easy my Brother Yvanburavan, you gave us so many. We are very grateful. “Rest in Heaven” Danny beats wrote via his social media platforms.
“Thank you for your Love & your Light. Sandrine Isheja tweets, “Until we meet again, brotherGood memories never cease to exist.”
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Source: rnewtimes
