Ezra Kwizera is a Rwandan-Canadian international artist, music producer, and community leader known for his unique musical blend of reggae, soca, East African bongo, and pop. As a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, his work is driven by a deep commitment to social change and helping vulnerable youth and families.
From refugee to artist
- Born in 1980, Kwizera grew up in Uganda as a refugee.
- He later returned to Rwanda following the 1994 genocide, a traumatic experience that he has been vocal about.
- After his return, he began his career in the Rwandan music scene.
- He eventually moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he now lives while maintaining strong ties to his homeland.
Music and career
- Multicultural music: Kwizera is known for his multicultural music, which blends global and East African genres. He performs in multiple languages, including English, Kinyarwanda, Luganda, Zulu, and Swahili.
- International recognition: His soulful melodies and energetic performances have earned him international success, with performances at festivals in Africa, the UK, and the US.
- Record production: Kwizera is also an accomplished music producer. He founded Narrow Road Records in Kigali, which is regarded as one of Rwanda’s top music studios, and later opened a Canadian branch.
Philanthropy and community leadership
-
Narrow Road Ministries
: In 2002, he and his wife co-founded
Narrow Road Ministriesto assist disadvantaged children and families. The ministry was inspired by his volunteer work at an orphanage in Kigali and has grown to help over 80 children through a sponsorship program focused on education.
-
Izere Art and Media Hub
: Based in Kigali, this hub was established to mentor and empower young artists and creative entrepreneurs in East Africa. The hub provides resources and business skills, enabling youth to process trauma and share their stories through various art forms.
- Community advocate: Kwizera has stated that his humanitarian efforts are not about his ego but about inspiring change in his generation. He also works to help rebuild Rwanda’s music industry by nurturing young artists through his studio.
