In her remarks, DJ Ira questioned why her citizenship choice remains a heated topic, emphasizing that it is her personal right. She said, “After a whole year, you’re still angry? You’re still insulting me and threatening me. I honestly don’t see what the problem is. Let’s talk about it.”
She also addressed claims that her silence meant regret or pressure, firmly rejecting those assumptions. “Maybe because I stayed quiet, you thought I was ashamed, forced, or unhappy with my decision. That’s not true at all,”she explained.
DJ Ira pointed out that Burundian law allows dual citizenship, meaning her decision to acquire Rwandan nationality should not be controversial.
“Applying for Rwandan citizenship is no different from applying for American or Canadian citizenship. But because it’s Rwanda, it suddenly becomes an issue,” she added.
She stressed that her fame and career growth are largely tied to Rwanda, where she was given the platform to showcase her talent regardless of her foreign background.
“You discovered DJ Ira because of Rwanda and the work I do. I started my journey there, and I was given opportunities without discrimination,” she said.
DJ Ira further noted that her current success is the result of God’s grace, Rwanda’s support, and her own hard work—reasons she says fully justify her decision.
In a direct message to her critics, she argued that the backlash is less about her and more about negative attitudes toward Rwanda. “The problem is not me, it’s the hatred some of you have toward Rwanda. I’ve done nothing wrong. Applying for another citizenship doesn’t mean rejecting your country,” she stated.
Her comments come after Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration announced on April 10, 2025, a list of 36 individuals granted Rwandan citizenship, which included her name.
The list had earlier been published in the Official Gazette on April 7, 2025, following her public request made on March 16, 2025.
President Paul Kagame responded to her request at the time, saying he saw no issue but advised her to follow all legal procedures to obtain citizenship officially.
DJ Ira is one of the most prominent female DJs in Rwanda. She began her career in 2016 with support from her cousin DJ Bissosso, who helped introduce her to the Rwandan music scene.
She moved to Kigali in August 2015 after completing her secondary education in Burundi, beginning a journey that would turn her into one of the most recognized DJs in the country.
Her story reflects the journey of a talented young woman who found opportunity in another country, embraced it as a second home, and chose to formalize that connection—despite the controversy it sparked.
