Bonfils Ngabonziza is one of the most talented young contemporary artists in Rwanda. After finishing his studies he realised that his true passion was art, and so decided to teach himself, becoming first a painter, then a muralist. Inspired by women and girls, he uses art to portray his deepest emotions, spreading messages of peace, love and inspiration. His paintings and murals focus mainly on social themes and are aimed at human rights for all.

Ngabonziza explains with great enthusiasm that becoming famous was never his goal in life; what he truly wanted, and still wants, is to use art as a vehicle for positive change, recognising its lasting impact on society.

Kurema, Kureba, Kwiga (create, see, learn) is a public art social enterprise in Kigali. After meeting Judith Kaine, its founder and director, Ngabonziza and his fellow artists from Ivuka Arts, Rwanda's first community art centre, decided to work with Kurema in 2014 to create a series of murals addressing stigma around HIV and AIDS.

Although Rwanda has achieved enormous success in the fight against HIV and AIDS – 2013 estimates show that prevalence among people aged 15 to 49 is just 2.9 per cent – stigma persists. The collaboration between the artists of Kurema and Ivuka reinforces the work already undertaken by the Rwandan government against the HIV virus.

The murals were painted in Kigali's most vibrant neighbourhoods, with the idea that street art conveying powerful public health messages can help spread important information in an innovative way, while bringing new life to the urban landscape.

Ngabonziza explains why he felt the need to take part in the project:

"These thought-provoking murals speak to all Rwandans, especially those who have not had access to education, urging them to fight stigmatisation.

Some Rwandans don't know much about art, but by looking at the murals they can identify with what is depicted and so they can learn."

The murals are indeed painted in a realistic style, so that everyone can understand their message. The artist also outlines his plans for the future:

"I will create a series of murals to promote reconciliation."

Regardless of ethnic background, level of education and social status, Ngabonziza wants all Rwandans to understand the fundamental concepts of peace, unity, love and life.

"That is why I named my project PULL (Peace, Unity, Love, Life). I dream that one day, all over the world, we will sing 'Peace, Unity, Love and Life'."

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His paintings are available at Ivuka Arts Kigali. For anyone who wants to find out more about the contemporary art scene in Rwanda, Vayando, a travel platform that puts micro-entrepreneurs on the tourist map, connects Ivuka's artists with the most curious travellers.

Bonfils Ngabonziza is one of the many talents from Africa. These and other stories of African excellence can be shared using the hashtag #TheAfricaTheMediaNeverShowsYou, a platform that helps give the continent a more positive and vibrant image.

Translated by Camilla Soldati

Bonfils Ngabonziza: “When the street is your greatest teacher, I make school with my murals”