Miss Shanel
Rwandan singer and actress (born 1985)
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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.