Saturday 28 March 2015

Norwich Rwandan Genocide Commemoration 7 April to feature singer songwriter Jean Paul Samputu

Rwandan singer songwriter Jean Paul Samputu, who travels the world with his message of peace and reconciliation, will be in Norwich on Tuesday 7 April, to take part in the Rwandan Genocide Commemoration at Chapel Field Road Methodist Church, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

The Remember Rwanda 1994 event is being organised by Norwich resident, Illuminée Nganemariya, whose book Miracle in Kigali tells of her, and her son Roger’s, survival during the Rwandan Genocide and subsequent life in Norwich.

All are welcome at the event to light a candle in memory of the 1 million Rwandans who lost their lives during 100 days from April to July 1994. Illuminée will talk about how Rwanda is recovering from the Genocide and Jean Paul Samputu will perform his songs, which draw on the musical traditions from all of Rwanda regions.

There will be a collection for the Africa Glaven Mission, which is raising money for water purifiers in rural Rwanda. Claude Scott will also talk about the work of the Africa Glaven Mission.

Jean Paul Samputu was born in Rwanda 1962 and is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide, during which he lost his parents and three siblings. After the Genocide, Jean Paul dedicated his life and his music to further the causes of peace, healing and reconciliation. He is one of the most successful and prominent African artistes, with 16 albums and a career spanning 30 years.

Illuminée Nganemariya said: “It is wonderful that Jean Paul Samputu is joining us in Norwich on 7 April to share his message of peace and reconciliation.”

In 2014, Jean Paul recorded his latest album Rwandan Dream with Scottish musician Iain Stewart. This is a link to the song Rwandan Dream on YouTube.





Sunday 22 March 2015

Urumuri - Rwandan Genocide Survivors UK Event - Bedford 21 March 2015



Urumuri is a new association set up for UK based survivors of the Rwandan Genocide. A social event was staged in Bedford on 21 March. Rwandans gathered from London, the Midlands, Manchester, Bedford and Norwich.

Jean Paul Samputu performed at the event. This is a short film of part of one of his songs. New Rwandan singer Olivier also sang with Jean Paul.

Illuminee Nganemariya with Jean Paul Samputu