Yvan Buravan Remembered for His Legacy and Music.

The event celebrated Buravan’s contribution to the development of Rwandan music while also highlighting the Turikumwecancer awareness campaign. The initiative seeks to educate the public about cancer, encourage early screening and treatment, and mobilize support for patients and families affected by the disease.

The gathering also revealed that some of Buravan’s songs will be re-recorded as a tribute to his enduring artistic legacy. 

The evening began with a minute of silence in memory of the celebrated musician. 

The Target Band then performed some of Buravan’s most popular songs, including Oya and Low Key. Members of his family and music fans joined the band in singing along, creating an emotional tribute to the late artist.

Journalist David Bayingana, whom Buravan’s family credits with supporting the singer during the early stages of his music career, shared memories of their time together and reflected on the experiences they had shared. 

Other artists also took part in the tribute. Uncle Austin performed Urwo Ngukunda, his collaboration with Buravan. Ishyaka ry’Intore, a traditional dance troupe of which Buravan was a member, performed his song Twaje 

Ruti Joel performed his solo song Amaliza, while rapper Ish Kevin performed Kibasumba before joining the audience in remembering Buravan through their collaboration VIP.

Although music took centre stage, the event also emphasized the importance of the Turikumwe campaign, which seeks to raise awareness about cancer, promote early screening and treatment, and support patients, caregivers and their families.

Raissa Umutoni, Buravan’s sister and founder of the YB Foundation, said the annual commemoration serves two main purposes: preserving her brother’s legacy and encouraging Rwandans to take stronger action against cancer.

“We organize this event to remember Yvan Buravan and the legacy he left behind, but we also use it as an awareness campaign. Every year, we encourage people to get screened early and support those who have begun their treatment journey,” Umutoni said. 

She explained that the campaign reaches communities across Rwanda and also raises funds to support cancer patients receiving treatment in different hospitals.

On August 17, for example, the campaign visited Bugesera District to support a child undergoing cancer treatment while also encouraging residents to seek early screening and learn more about the dangers of cancer.

According to the organizers, fighting cancer requires more than treating it as a medical condition. It requires education, early screening, support, hope and collective action from society.

The campaign therefore focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, support for patients and caregivers, and assistance to families affected by cancer.

Through YB Foundation, volunteers visit patients in hospitals and at home. Depending on each patient’s circumstances, the foundation may provide financial assistance, including transport costs for those travelling to medical appointments, among other forms of support.

Umutoni said the campaign was inspired by the impact cancer has on patients, their families and society as a whole.

“We want to combine public education with practical support for patients and their families,” she said.

The campaign also seeks to reduce the fear surrounding cancer and encourage communities to stand with those undergoing treatment.

“We want people to understand that patients should not have to go through this journey alone. As Rwandans, we should stand by them and support them throughout their treatment,” Umutoni added.

She further emphasized the need for cancer patients to feel valued and supported, while encouraging families and the wider community to understand the disease and the importance of early screening.

Several musicians also used the occasion to announce plans to honour Buravan by re-recording some of the songs he left behind.

Among those who attended was Vasti Jackson, an American blues musician, guitarist, songwriter and producer who has competed for Grammy Awards recognition. Jackson revealed that he has already begun working on a new version of Buravan’s song Supernatural.

The remix is expected to be released soon, adding another chapter to the musical legacy of an artist whose work continues to resonate with Rwandan music lovers four years after his death.