From humble beginnings to French citizenship: Isacco’s journey back to Kenya

Murwanashyaka Nzabonimana, popularly known as Isacco, wears many hats—Rwandese by birth, Kenyan by nurture, and now officially a French citizen.

After years of navigating life as a refugee in Kenya, he moved to France to pursue his studies. That decision marked a new chapter in his life. “I finally became a French citizen last year and even got my passport,” he shares, a subtle but poignant milestone in a long, winding journey.

But even with a European passport and new prospects, his heart hasn’t drifted far from East Africa. “I'm coming to Kenya for the holidays,” he announces with a spark of excitement. The trip isn’t just a personal getaway—it’s a homecoming. “I want to visit all the places where I grew up and especially see my childhood friends. It's going to be an unforgettable reunion. I miss the Kenyan atmosphere a lot.”

And like any artist worth his salt, he’s not just coming back to reminisce—he’s coming with purpose. “I'm going to take this opportunity to finalise projects I have with certain Kenyan artists,” he reveals. Talks are already underway with local organisers to set up performances. “You'll have more information soon,” he promises.

Behind the scenes, Isacco is hard at work finishing up his second album. “It's almost finished. I'm finalising the last few details,” he says. The upcoming album is set to feature 12 tracks, including two collaborations with Kenyan artists—a nod to his musical roots and the community that shaped him.

“I put all my energy and heart into it,” he adds. “At any moment, I can start releasing a few singles that will be on the album.” For him, launching the album during his stay in Kenya would be symbolic—a tribute to the land that raised him.

Naturally, Kenya’s influence seeps through the entire record. “Almost all the songs are inspired by my time in Kenya,” he confesses. One track in particular stands out—a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those who stood by him in difficult times. “It's thanks to them that I am the Isacco you know today.”

Now based in France, Isacco has graced numerous stages across Europe, sharing platforms with notable names such as Dadju, Serges Beynaud, Soum Bill, DJ Arafat, as well as Kenyan bigwigs Nameless, and Sauti Sol.

“It gave me a tremendous amount of experience,” he says. But more than that, performing in the diaspora has been about more than the music. “It allowed me to showcase East African music to other African communities living here in the diaspora in France.” He describes these concerts as powerful reunions—moments when people come together, lost in music and speaking their shared language again.

Having lived and performed in both Africa and Europe, Isacco sees a chance for mutual learning between the two music industries. “There's always something to learn from each other,” he says. With the help of technology, the world is more connected than ever—but some habits are hard to shake.

“Perhaps what they haven't yet developed is promoting their work internationally,” he observes about Kenyan artists. “We often stay within our communities, even when we come here to Europe. We must therefore work to open up to others instead of staying among ourselves.”

Yet for all his growth and accolades, some cravings remain wonderfully simple. “I'm very nostalgic for Chapati and Sukuma,” he says with a laugh. “I can't wait to be there so I can eat hundreds of chapatis.”