Artist Juno Kizigenza has announced that he has retired his alias (a.k.a) “Rutwitsi,” implementing a request from the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana.
Juno Kizigenza made this decision after seeing a message posted by Minister Bizimana on X (formerly Twitter), requesting him to remove the name from his artistic branding based on its historical context and meaning within Rwandan history.
InyaRwanda has learned that the artist acted promptly on this request, immediately declaring that the name is no longer among his aliases and that he will no longer use it in his professional musical activities.
Juno Kizigenza’s manager, Nando, told InyaRwanda that all future songs released by the artist will not feature the word “Rutwitsi,” emphasizing that Juno Kizigenza is committed to honoring the Minister’s request and avoiding language that could spark controversy or undermine the unity of Rwandans.
This development occurs amid recent debates regarding the use of the name, with some arguing that it was inappropriate for the entertainment industry given its historical origins.
In Rwandan music and globally, using a stage name (a.k.a) is a common choice for artists to build their brand, distinguish themselves, and connect with fans. However, not every name is suitable for use without considering its history and social implications.
“Rutwitsi muzi” was a name Juno Kizigenza used frequently, often opening his songs with the line: “Rutwitsi muzi.” This led many fans to embrace it as a signature element of his musical identity.
