Fred Mfuranzima

Fred Mfuranzima (born 1997) is a Rwandan writer, artist, poet, and peace activist. He has written books in English and Kinyarwanda. In 2018 he founded Imfura Heritage Rwanda, a platform to promote Rwandan art, literature, and peace activism. His writings often depict the challenges and triumphs of individuals in post-genocide Rwanda. As a peace activist, Mfuranzima has been actively involved in various initiatives and campaigns aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation in Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region.

Early life and education Fred Mfuranzima was born in Huye, the southern part of Rwanda in 1997, but he grew up in the slums of Kigali from a family of people who had survived the genocide. The background of his family later sparked passion in him, that led him into playing a role in peace building and reconciliation using poetry, writing and arts.

He started writing as a young child in primary school. In high school, he wrote poems and stories for his classmates.

Mfuranzima has attended several writing courses and workshops, as well as various other learning activities. Many of his works explore the themes of identity, reconciliation, and the human experience, often depicting the challenges and triumphs of individuals in post-genocide Rwanda.

Mfuranzima has also written many poems, including "My Shame", "Never Again", "Endless Music", "In low Voice", "Confession", "Three Patriots", "Umwiza", "Full of Respect", and "African Dreamer".

He has said that works by authors such as Rwandan authors Tharicis Gatwa, Scholastique Mukasonga, Yolande Mukagasana, and others such as Oduor Jagero, Kae Tempest, and Shakespeare have inspired his writing.

He has also opened a publishing house, to make it easier for Rwandan authors to get published. He pays 75 per cent of the publishing costs and the authors pay 25 per cent.

Selected works Books A letter from Tutsi hill (2017) Poems

B Yom HaShoah Living behind a mask Enheritance My Shame Never Again Endless Music In low Voice Confession Three Patriots Umwiza Full of Respect African Dreamer Bless our Land Dreams of a lonely soul To forgive As I grow Rwanda, Future is yours Peace of mind The World will wake him up Neighbors women Where I come from Land of our forefathers