Daniel is a committed slam poet and human rights defender, using his powerful words to advocate for change in his home country, Burundi. Living in exile since 2015, Daniel has turned to poetry as a medium for raising awareness about the struggles his country faces, particularly focusing on themes like patriotism, civic values, and the preservation of Burundian culture.
On 19 November 2015, Daniel faced the difficult decision to leave his home country, Burundi. At that time, he was in the final year of his undergraduate studies in health sciences, specialising in midwifery at the National Institute of Public Health. With only four months of internship left to complete his bachelor’s degree, Daniel was arrested and subjected to intense interrogation at a rural hospital where he was interning. Fearing for his safety, he decided to flee. His journey spanned nine days, during which he crossed through three countries before finally settling in his host country. He left behind his father, brother, and sister, who remain in Burundi to this day.
“Imagine a gentleman who was just about to finish his university studies. Even my dissertation was halfway through. I left everything there, I left without money, without luggage, without a companion, nothing but a laptop and a mobile phone.”
Daniel was hosted by three different families in his host country: one for 50 days, another for 13 days, and a third for three months. Despite experiencing their generosity and kindness, he often felt lonely. To cope with this isolation, he turned to slam poetry, reigniting a passion for this artistic platform that had begun in high school. During that time, he was a member of the arts and culture club and participated in a young poets’ group, where he discovered the power of expression through poetry.
In 2022, Daniel began producing slam poetry that reflects the history, values, and ongoing struggles of Burundi. To date, he has created numerous pieces, His first slam, “Kavorivori,” that was inspired by the birth of his son, is a piece exploring the challenges of raising a child in exile, disconnected from their heritage and homeland. This piece, like much of his work, is deeply personal and resonates with fellow Burundians, both in the country and in exile.
“I thought about the children who are being born in exile, who will be deprived of their nation, who will not know their genealogy and identify their land of origin. In this slam, I had to express everything from our lineage, our land, the values of a true patriotic Murundi, all the wishes a parent has for his child”
Daniel was hosted by three different families in his host country: one for 50 days, another for 13 days, and a third for three months. Despite experiencing their generosity and kindness, he often felt lonely. To cope with this isolation, he turned to slam poetry, reigniting a passion for this artistic platform that had begun in high school. During that time, he was a member of the arts and culture club and participated in a young poets’ group, where he discovered the power of expression through poetry.
In 2022, Daniel began producing slam poetry that reflects the history, values, and ongoing struggles of Burundi. To date, he has created numerous pieces, His first slam, “Kavorivori,” that was inspired by the birth of his son, is a piece exploring the challenges of raising a child in exile, disconnected from their heritage and homeland. This piece, like much of his work, is deeply personal and resonates with fellow Burundians, both in the country and in exile.
“I thought about the children who are being born in exile, who will be deprived of their nation, who will not know their genealogy and identify their land of origin. In this slam, I had to express everything from our lineage, our land, the values of a true patriotic Murundi, all the wishes a parent has for his child.”
The core themes of Daniel’s poetry revolve around the history of Burundi, the preservation of its rich cultural values, and the crises that have devastated the country. His work highlights the failures in political leadership and the need for true patriotism, urging young people to take pride in their identity while pushing for positive change. His art is not just an emotional outlet but a tool for civic engagement, aimed at inspiring a generation of young Burundians to be active participants in their nation’s future.
"I mention the history of Burundi because it is unknown, highlight Burundian culture and values because they are rich, and it is important to preserve them in honor of our ancestors. Thirdly, I address the crises that have brought mourning to Burundi because they are often exploited for the interests of politicians, to the detriment of the Murundi people. Lastly, I focus on patriotism because it is crucial to awaken the spirit of today's and tomorrow's leaders."
Despite the challenges of exile, including threats from political figures who disagree with his outspoken stance, Daniel remains undeterred. His poetry has found an audience both in Burundi and among the diaspora, with many young people looking to him for inspiration. He continues to produce and distribute his work, using it to foster a sense of unity and purpose among Burundians worldwide.
Daniel’s ultimate vision is for a secure, united, and democratic Burundi, and through his poetry, he seeks to awaken the spirit of patriotism and pan-Africanism. His work is a call to action, not only for the people of Burundi but for all of Africa, to rise above divisive politics and work towards a better future. Through his art, Daniel remains a voice of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.