Jean Paul Samputu

Samputu, born in Rwanda 1962, is a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, to which he lost his parents and three siblings.He is a singer, songwriter, and musician, arguably one of the most successful and prominent African artistes, with 16 albums and a career spanning 30 years. He has established himself as one of the most prominent African artists on the world stage. A winner of the prestigious Kora Award (the “African Grammy”) in 2003. Recipient of many honors from the United Nations for his work, Samputu travels the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda, bringing to his audiences traditional African music, dance, and drumming, together with a message of peace and reconciliation. More than a talented and inspiring performer who traverses styles such as soukous, rumba, reggae, afrobeat and gospel, Samputu is a model for anyone who wants to make a difference in this world today.