Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ In a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Rwanda’s inclusive progress, celebrated Burundian entertainer DJ Ira has officially become a Rwandan citizen. The announcement, made on April 15, was the culmination of a heartfelt public appeal to President Paul Kagame during a high-profile citizen engagement event held a month earlier at Kigali’s BK Arena. DJ Ira, born Grace Divine Iradukunda in 1997, stood before thousands of citizens and government officials to share her admiration for Rwanda’s values and express her personal wish to fully belong to the country she now calls home.
Having been raised in Gitega, Burundi, DJ Ira’s life took a transformative turn when she relocated to Rwanda in 2015. Just two years later, she began her career as a DJ in Rwanda, swiftly establishing herself as one of the most recognizable and admired female DJs in the country’s thriving entertainment scene. Known for her electrifying sets and infectious stage energy, DJ Ira’s rise to prominence is not only a story of talent and perseverance but also one of deep emotional connection with the nation that embraced her.
On March 16, DJ Ira took advantage of a unique opportunity during the citizen outreach event. Rising from the crowd, she addressed President Kagame directly, expressing her gratitude for Rwanda’s dedication to empowering youth and women, a vision she deeply resonates with. With her voice unwavering, she made a heartfelt plea: “I myself found a blessing in this country…so, my request, I would like to ask you for Rwandan nationality so that I can also be called a Rwandan citizen and become all yours.” Her sincerity moved many in the audience and the President himself.
President Kagame, known for his openness during such outreach forums, responded immediately: “In principle, I grant it to you. The rest can be followed up with due process.” That promise set in motion the legal and constitutional procedures required to formalize her new national identity. The process culminated in a citizenship oath-taking ceremony in Kigali on April 15, where DJ Ira joined 35 other individuals in officially becoming Rwandan citizens. On April 7, the Official Gazette listed their names, confirming their naturalization.
For DJ Ira, the moment was deeply personal and symbolic. It was not just the fulfillment of a dream but a powerful affirmation of belonging. She took to Instagram to share her joy, posting images of the ceremony with a caption in Kinyarwanda: “Invugo ye niyo ngiro,” which roughly translates to “He walks the talk.” It was a direct nod to President Kagame’s swift and sincere response to her public request and a broader acknowledgment of Rwanda’s spirit of openness and unity.
The story of DJ Ira is more than a personal milestone; it’s a testament to Rwanda’s evolving identity as a nation that welcomes talent and celebrates it. Her journey from Gitega to Kigali, from Burundian roots to Rwandan citizenship, is emblematic of the deepening cultural and social integration in the region, especially for young creatives who seek a platform and a sense of purpose.
With her new citizenship, DJ Ira now carries not just the beats of her music but the heartbeat of a nation that stood up and said, “Yes, you belong.” Her story has resonated widely, serving as both inspiration and a reminder of the power of inclusive leadership, the impact of youth voices, and the growing recognition of women in spaces traditionally dominated by men.
As Rwanda continues to nurture its creative industries and uphold its values of unity and progress, DJ Ira’s moment in the spotlight is not just a personal triumph; it’s a reflection of the nation’s soul.
