The entertainer is among 36 individuals whose applications for Rwandan citizenship were approved and published in Official Gazette No. 14, dated April 7, 2025.
DJ Ira made a passionate appeal to President Kagame for Rwandan citizenship during a citizen outreach program held at BK Arena on March 16, 2025.
During the interaction, she thanked the Head of State for Rwanda's inclusive opportunities, highlighting how foreign children are given the same chances as Rwandan children.
"I want to thank you for how a foreign child is given the same opportunities as any Rwandan child. I also want to thank you for how a girl child is given the same opportunities as a boy. I have found great blessings in this country. We often meet at various events, and when there's a dance, I'm one of those who make people dance," she remarked.
DJ Ira then asked President Kagame if she could be granted Rwandan citizenship and officially become Rwandan.
"My request is to ask for Rwandan citizenship so I can be considered a Rwandan child and be one of yours," she said.
President Kagame responded affirmatively, stating that he had no objection to her request and encouraged her to complete the legal procedures required to make it official.
The process moved swiftly. Speaking in a recent interview with IGIHE, DJ Ira shared her surprise at being contacted by immigration authorities less than 24 hours after receiving the President's approval. She was instructed to begin fulfilling the remaining legal obligations, which have now been completed with her official naturalization.
DJ Ira, a rising star in East Africa's music scene, began her DJ career in 2016 with the mentorship of her cousin, DJ Bissosso.
She moved to Kigali in August 2015 from Burundi, shortly after completing high school, and has since become a recognized figure in Rwanda's entertainment industry.
IGIHE
