Kitoko | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Patrick Bibarwa |
| Born | September 12, 1985 Zaire |
| Origin | Rwanda |
| Genres | Afrobeats, hip hop, R&B, Africa |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2009-present |
| Labels | Trill Boys House |
| Website | https://www.instagram.com/kitokolife/?hl=en |
Kitoko, born Patrick Bibarwa, is a Rwandan singer. He released his debut album, Ifaranga, in January 2010. The album enjoyed immediate and wide success in Rwanda and Uganda.[1] In 2012 a reviewer for Ugandan newspaper The East African called him "the biggest Rwandan artiste at the moment".[2] Prior to launching his musical career, Bibarwa sang in a local church choir.[3]
In 2012, Kitoko was invited to give a private performance at the birthday of Ange Kagame, daughter of Rwandan president Paul Kagame.[4] In February 2013, Kitoko performed at the Rwandan Cultural Festival in Jylland-Fyn, Denmark.[5] He has also performed throughout the East African Community and in the United States, France[2] and Belgium.[6] He was a winner twice at the Salax Awards, including in the category of Best Afrobeat Artiste.[7]
In June 2013, Kitoko announced his retirement from the music industry for unknown reasons.[8]
- ^ Prince, Emma (28 November 2009). "Kitoko to launch his debut album". New Times. Rwanda. Archived from the original on 12 August 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ a b Kagire, Edmund (10 June 2012). "Bibarwa to take on region's artistes". The East African. Uganda. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ Mbabazi, Linda (18 January 2011). "Kitoko recording songs in Uganda". New Times. Rwanda. Archived from the original on 12 August 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ "Rwanda: Kitoko Performs at Ange Kagame's Birthday Party". RwandaShow. Rwanda. 25 November 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ "Kitoko thrills fans in Denmark". New Times. Rwanda. 7 February 2013. Archived from the original on 12 August 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ "Kitoko thrills Rwandan community in Belgium". RwandaShow. Rwanda. 4 January 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ "Celebrity Central: Kitoko". New Times. Rwanda. December 2009. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ "Kitoko's move to quit music was timely". Rwanda Express. Rwanda. 7 June 2013. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 12 August 2013.