Miss Shanel

Ruth Nirere, better known as Miss Shanel, is a Rwandan singer and actress.[1]

Miss Shanel
Nirere in 2017
Nirere in 2017
Background information
Birth nameRuth Nirere
OriginRwanda
Genres
  • R&B
  • traditional
Occupation(s)Singer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active1998–present

History

Early years

She began singing as a child and released two successful singles, both meant to comfort and commemorate the survivors and victims of the Rwandan genocide, while a secondary school student. Her songs are regularly played during the annual Genocide commemoration period, and in 2004 she won the "Never Again" competition to select the best commemoration artist.[2]

Musical career

She had a major hit in 1998 at the age of 13 with the zouk tune "Ndarota!" off her debut album of the same name released earlier that year.[3] In 2004 she released two a cappella singles to wide success, raising her to national celebrity. Her music during this period reflected a mix of genres, including R&B, soul, zouk and acoustic music.[2]

In 2009 she released her debut album, entitled Narrow Road.[4] This album and her subsequent music reflect more traditional Rwandan musical styles.[2] She has collaborated on singles with numerous Rwandan, Kenyan and Ugandan artists.[3]

In 2012 she gave a series of performances for Rwandan peacekeepers stationed in Darfur, Sudan.[5]

In 2013 she moved to France to complete a two-year course in vocal performance.[4]

In 2017 she plays in the movie The Mercy of the Jungle starring Marc Zinga and Stephane Bak, produced by Joël Karekezi

Awards

Miss Shanel has been nominated three times for a Pearl of Africa Music Award in 2006, 2007 and 2008.[2] In 2009 she won a Salax Award in the category of Best Female Artist.[2]

Acting career

In addition to her musical career, Nirere has launched a successful career as an actress. She starred in the films Avenir;[4] Long Coat, directed by Edouard Bamporiki; and Matière grise, directed by Kivu Ruhorahoza. She starred in Le jour ou Dieu est parti en voyage (2009), which recounts stories of the Rwandan genocide.[4] Nirere's performance earned her the prize for Best Actress at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece and at the International Film Festival Bratislava in Slovakia.[3] In 2011 she starred in the Rwandan film Grey Matter that deals with the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda.

References
  1. Umutesi, Doreen (5 April 2013). "Rwanda's Hottest Celebrities As Voted By You !". The New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  2. Kagire, Edmund (23 June 2012). "Shanel sings to soothe hearts, souls". Rwanda Today. Rwanda. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  3. "Ruth Nirere - Comédienne - Rwanda" (in French). Rwanda: Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur. 2010. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  4. "Miss Shanel – a movie Star". The New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  5. Karuhanga, James (10 July 2012). "Rwandan Artistes Perform for Peacekeepers in Darfur". The New Times. Rwanda. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
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