About
Deo Munyakazi (born 1992 in Gakenke, Rwanda) is an award-nominated inanga player, singer, and composer who has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Rwandan music.
He became the youngest and best inanga player in Rwanda in 2015. His passion and ability to fuse Rwandan blues with other genres quickly elevated him to perform at major festivals across East Africa and Europe, sharing stages with legends like Grammy Award winner Joss Stone, Cecile Kayirebwa, Jeff Neve, Guillaume Perret, and Kenyan nyatiti player Makadem.
Through the Inanga Worldwide platform, Deo is committed to preserving this ancient harp-like instrument while modernizing it for the world stage — building bridges between Rwandan oral traditions and contemporary global sound.
Selected Milestones
- Entered Rwanda's music scene
- Youngest and best inanga player in Rwanda
- National recognition with Urakwiriye Mwami
- Founded Inanga Worldwide platform
- NyegeNyege Festival (Uganda)
- Ubumuntu Arts Festival (Rwanda)
- Shared stage with Grammy winner Joss Stone
- Debut album Isoko Dusangiye
- Online concert debut during COVID-19
- Ongea Music Summit – Nairobi, Kenya
- Ongala Festival – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ngwino Urare single release
- Pop-Kultur Festival, Berlin (10-day residency)
- International collaborations
- Grammy nomination milestone
- Concert Intime series — Montréal
What They Say
"A King of Rwandan Blues — an irresistible sound that will make you travel through a forgotten history of ancient Kingdoms."
— Inanga World Wide"His passion and ability to fuse the Rwandan blues with other genres quickly elevated him to big stages across East Africa and Europe."
— Music In Africa"The youngest and best inanga player in Rwanda."
— Rwanda National Music Awards, 2015Featured In
Electronic Press Kit
Full bio, high-res photos, tech rider, and press materials. Available upon request.