Gaël Faye
At a glance
| Born | 6 August 1982, Bujumbura, Burundi |
|---|---|
| Parents | French father and Rwandan mother |
| Novels | Petit Pays (2016); Jacaranda (2024) |
| Albums | Pili Pili sur un Croissant au Beurre (2013); Lundi Méchant (2020); Mauve Jacaranda (2022) |
Source: Wikipedia: Gaël Faye1
Early life
Faye was born in Bujumbura, Burundi, on 6 August 1982, to a French father and a Rwandan mother. At 13 he moved to France, leaving the civil war in Burundi. He studied commerce and earned a master’s degree in finance.1
Books
His first novel, Petit Pays (Small Country), inspired by his teenage years during the war in Burundi, was published by Grasset in August 2016. It won five literary prizes, including the Prix Goncourt des lycéens, has been translated into 36 languages and was made into a film released in 2020. His second novel, Jacaranda, also published by Grasset, won the Prix Renaudot in 2024.1,2
Music
Faye began in music with the duo Milk Coffee and Sugar, which released an album in 2010. His solo albums are Pili Pili sur un Croissant au Beurre (2013), Lundi Méchant (2020), which went gold in 2022, and Mauve Jacaranda (2022).1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gaël Faye known for?
His novels Petit Pays, winner of the Prix Goncourt des lycéens in 2016, and Jacaranda, winner of the Prix Renaudot in 2024. He is also a singer and rapper.
How many languages has Petit Pays been translated into?
36. It was made into a film released in 2020.
Where was he born?
In Bujumbura, Burundi, on 6 August 1982, to a French father and a Rwandan mother.
Sources
Facts checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestRwanda.com for general information.
