Ariel Wayz, born Uwayezu Arielle in 2000, is a Rwandan singer, songwriter, and performer who has quietly become one of East Africa’s most compelling new voices. With a sound that blends R&B, Afropop, and soul, she’s built a loyal following not just in Rwanda but across the region. Her big break came in June 2025 when she signed with Universal Music Group East Africa, a move that signaled her readiness to take her music beyond borders.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Uwayezu Arielle |
| Stage Name | Ariel Wayz |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Rubavu District, Western Province, Rwanda |
| Nationality | Rwandan |
| State of Origin | Rubavu, Western Province, Rwanda |
| Partner | Juno Kizigenza (rumored/dated; relationship kept private) |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Musician, Content Creator |
| Labels | Universal Music Group East Africa (UMG EA) (signed 2025); previously independent |
| Net Worth | $150,000 – $300,000 |
Early Life and Education
Ariel was born on September 9, 2000, in Rubavu District, in Rwanda’s Western Province. She’s the fifth of eight children, growing up in a household where music was never far away. Her mother sang with Orchestre Ingeri back in the 1990s, and that early exposure clearly left a mark.
Ariel started singing when she was just four years old, and by 2016, she had enrolled at the Nyundo School of Art and Music, Rwanda’s top institution for training musicians. It was there that she sharpened her craft alongside other future stars.
Career
Ariel’s professional journey began as the lead singer of Symphony Band, a group made up of fellow Nyundo graduates. They spent years touring Rwanda, mostly performing covers, which gave her the stage experience she’d later need as a solo act. In 2020, she made the bold decision to leave the band and go it alone.
That leap paid off. Her early solo singles like “Wowe Gusa,” “You Should Know,” and the 2021 collaboration “Away” with Juno Kizigenza quickly caught attention.
Her lyrics often explore love, freedom, and what it means to be a young woman navigating modern life, and she’s not afraid to take creative risks. That willingness to push boundaries helped her stand out in a crowded scene.
By 2023, she and her manager were already in talks with Universal Music Group East Africa. Two years later, in June 2025, those talks turned into a signed deal, making her one of the few Rwandan artists to join a major international label.
Personal Life
Ariel Wayz keeps her romantic life largely private, but her most talked-about relationship was with fellow Rwandan artist Juno Kizigenza. The two began dating in 2021 after their chemistry in the music video for their hit song “Away” fueled romance rumors.
They split later that year following a public disagreement on social media. In December 2025, reunion rumors flared after they kissed on stage during a live performance, but Ariel quickly shut down the speculation, saying they’re just close friends and that “best friends do kiss.” As of now, she has no publicly confirmed boyfriend.
Net Worth
Ariel Wayz’s estimated net worth is between $150,000 and $300,000. This range reflects her earnings from music streaming, live performances, brand endorsements, and her recent signing with Universal Music Group East Africa.
Discography
Ariel has been steadily releasing music since going solo. Here’s a look at her key projects:
EPs
- Love & Lust (2021) – featuring tracks like “Chamber,” “10 Days,” and “Uwanjye”
- TTS (Touch the Sky) (2022) – with songs such as “Bad,” “You Should Know,” “Mpaka,” and “Far from You”
- Ayden (2022) – including “Tattoo”
Albums
- Hear to Stay (2025) – a 12-track project with standout songs like “Urihe,” “Mbeshya,” “Dee,” “Made for You,” and “3 in the Morning”
Notable Singles
- “Wowe Gusa” (2024)
- “Katira” (2024) – featuring Butera Knowless
- “Best In Me” (2023)
- “SHAYO” (2023)
- “Jealous” (2023)
- “Good Luck” (2022)
- “Demo” (2022) – with Sagamba, Soldier Kid, Bruce The 1st, and Kivumbi King
- “La Vida Loca” (2021)
- “Away” (2021) – with Juno Kizigenza
- “Nasara” (2023) – as a featured artist
- “Made for You” (2025)
- “Waiting” (2026) – featuring Bensoul
- “Call Me” (2026)
Featured Appearances
- “Umwali” on !B!HE B!7 (2020)
- “Depanage” with Riderman (2021)
- “Soo (Remix)” (2023)
- “VENUS (Electro Bounce Mix)” (2023)
- “Injyana” with Juno Kizigenza (2024)
- “HAPPY” (2022)
- “The Boy from Mars” (2020)
Awards and Nominations
Ariel’s work has started to earn her recognition beyond Rwanda. In 2026, she was nominated for Best Female Artist – Eastern Africa at the AFRIMMA awards, competing against established names from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. It’s a sign that her music is resonating far beyond her home country.
