Thierry Wacu, born Dushimiyimana Thierry Pacifique, is one of Rwanda’s unique artists preserving traditional music through kubwiriza amazina y’inka (chanting cows’ names), ubutahira (poetic praise), and singing.

He says his passion for this genre started at a young age, inspired by listening to Kinyarwanda cultural programs on the radio.
“I loved hearing traditional praise performers at weddings and was fascinated when I found a paper listing cows’ names. I immediately began practicing, just like the elders did,” he recalls.

His talent has already taken him to big stages, including Miss Rwanda 2022 and the Kwita Izina Gala Dinner 2023 at the Kigali Convention Center. He also performed as a traditional praise singer at the wedding of artists Igor Mabano and Yvery, where he impressed many with his cultural artistry.

Wacu has released two songs:

• “Umugore” – a poetic song celebrating the role of women and family in Rwandan culture.
• “Nduririmbe” – a new track praising Rwanda’s beauty and inviting people to visit the country.

After studying music at Nyundo School of Music, Wacu joined the SoCreative Entrepreneurship Program at the African Leadership University in partnership with the British Council. This training helped him learn how to market his music internationally on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

Despite challenges such as limited resources to promote his work, Thierry Wacu believes in his gift and is determined to succeed.
“My motto is Zireze n’impamo – meaning what grows is real, and true success will always be visible,” he said.