At the age of seven years, most African children are busy on the streets playing with their friends, learning more about life and themselves. Interacting with nature and making everlasting memories. As youngsters, they are free to explore as much as possible. Without any responsibilities, children have no worries or concerns about life issues. However, this was not the case for one African child, born in the east African country of Burundi.

At a very age, she was already turning heads as the lead singer of a popular choir. Before she was even ten years old, singer Khadja Nin already had the responsibility of leading a talented Bujumbura choir. Like her older siblings, she had studied music from an early age. The Burundian born music icon hails from a creative background. She had already formed her first music group at the age of 14 years, after impressing audiences with her powerful voice at the Cathedral Church, where she performed regularly. Fortunately, she did not have struggles convincing her family that a career in music can be fruitful. The award-winning singer had support from everyone at home. As the youngest, she always had the backing of her family. She would, later on, leave Burundi to study in Zaire (Democratic Republic of Congo). 

A global citizen, she has lived in different parts of the world. Her music is also enjoyed globally, as she has done songs in her native language of Kirundi, French and Swahili. She blessed with the ability to blend African rhythms with modern pop music to create a unique sound, which is appreciated worldwide. After the success of her debut album, which was released in 1992, the Burundian superstar showed growth with every album or song she did after. 

Her tunes have changed over the years but she has not lost her loyal fanbase, as she matured as a singer, she started mixing traditional music with Brazilian sounds and Cuban rhythms. Allowing people from all walks of life to easily relate to her music. Khadja Nin believes her music should not be classified as white or black, but coffee- coloured, as she makes world music. Her song Sambolera mayi son put her on the world stage and ever since, she has appeared on international music charts regularly. 

Her passion for music has seen her share stages with the likes Sting. She has also performed in front of a capacity crowds in New York and Paris. The internationally acclaimed singer also uses her stardom to address a host of human-interest issues.  Khadja Nin  has spoken about street children, war, and struggle against inequality in her music. She is also committed to environment concerns. After years working as a backup singer and film extra in Belgium, she was now in a good position to make the world aware of issues affecting the African continent. Khadja Nin first big break came after she relocated to the Belgium where she met guitarist Nicholas Fiszman, the duo would go on to write a number of songs together. Living in Europe gave her a fresh perceptive of the African continent. 

After years of hard work, building her name in the demanding entertainment industry, she was now using her powerful voice to address bigger issues.  The brave singer went on a global campaign and spoke against Burundi's President Pierra Nkurunziza. Her discusses with delegates at the African National Congress (ANC) 104th anniversary celebrations about the head of state are well documented by the media. Khadja Nin is also married to legendary former racing driver Jacques Bernard “Jacky” Ickx. The Belgium born driver has won prestigious competitions such as the Dakar Rally, and Formula One. After being introduced to the sport by his father as a youngster, Jacky has one thing in common with his wife, the support of their families and the African continent.   

–JP