RWANDA’S FEMALE representation in deejaying has grown over the years. These deejays have proven their abilities and some have performed at different big stages in the country. In no particular order, we look at the top female deejays whose spinning and mixing skills have won the hearts of many and enjoyed their flow of music in concerts, bars, hotels et cetera.
DJ Ira
Grace Divine Iradukunda, known to many as Dj Ira is a 25 year-old who rose to stardom in 2016. She was 21 years old at the time, when she performed at Miss Rwanda beauty pageant for the first time and the crowd was turned up by her skills, infectious smile and dance moves. Since then, DJ Ira has been the only DJ at the most popular beauty pageant in the country. She was also among the DJs who entertained fans at the Afrobasket championship that took place this year, not to mention different events and other Rwanda’s basketball championships she performed at.
DJ Brianne
Dj Brianne, real name Esther Brianne Gateka gained fame in 2020 during the pandemic and out of nowhere she became famous. For a year, DJ Brianne has entertained Rwandans on radios like Royal FM, Magic FM and Flash TV and other events like silent disco among others. She founded the Brianne foundation to help kids in streets to take them back to school and give them a better life. The mother of one is also a businesswoman who also signed a contract with a beverage company as their brand ambassador this year.
Makeda Mahadeo
The celebrated local female DJ was among the first female DJs in Rwanda. Born to a Jamaican mother and Rwandan father, a famous Rastafarian/DJ, the late Aloys Karamuheto, alias Bongoman, Makeda’s father was her greatest inspiration. The 33-year-old has excelled as a mixer and radio DJ. Her style is distinctive in the way that she uses her experience to make her sensational mixes which has put her on the map of the country’s music industry.
DJ Sonia
Sonia Kayitesi became a professional deejay in 2019 and has never looked back. Despite being affected by the pandemic the 23-year-old made a name for herself, and was lucky to have her time to entertain Rwandans on local radio stations and TV. In 2020, she was also invited by a Kenyan TV Citizen.
DJ Rugamba
Anitha Rugamba, commonly known as Dj Rugamba, is the youngest female deejay who embarked on deejaying professionally in 2020. The 22-year-old has been on a couple of radio stations and entertains people at different clubs, silent disco, and pool parties among others. One year since embarking deejaying as a career, she has grown a fan base who look forward to her performances.
Anita Pendo
Anita Pendo is one the most famous female in Rwanda today. She is certainly among a few female deejays who are multi-tasked. Pendo is a deejay, emcee, dancer, actress, comedian, radio and TV presenter. The mother of two graduated in mass communication at Mount Kenya University and has for years been a prominent figure on the entertainment scene. She is famous with her unique act with entertainment shows, hard work, energetic spirit and lively presence on stage and screen. She will soon be headlining Amahoro festival, set to be held in Kenya on November 26, with superstars like Kidumu and comedian Eric Omondi among others.
