Jean-Paul Samputu

BIO

Jean-Paul Samputu (born 15 March 1962) is a singer, songwriter, and musician from Rwanda. Jean-Paul has established himself as one of the most prominent African artists on the world stage. A winner of the prestigious Kora Award in 2003, Samputu travels the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda, bringing to his audiences not only traditional African singing, dancing, and drumming, but also a message of peace and reconciliation.

A survivor of the genocide in Rwanda, Samputu takes us to the most positive place of humanity through his spirit and graciousness. More than a talented and inspiring musician, Samputu is a model for anyone who wants to make a difference in this world today.

Samputu began singing in 1977 in a church choir, and was influenced by traditional and contemporary music, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Lionel Richie. After winning the Kora Award for Best African Traditional Artist in 2003, he arrived in the US in 2004 for Ten Years Remembering, an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda.

He continues his efforts to educate young people about genocide through panel discussions and forums at colleges and universities across the country. Samputu has been honored with the opportunity to share his message and his music at The National Civil Rights Museum for the 2005 Freedom Awards, where he performed in front of honorees Oprah Winfrey, and Ruby Dee, as well as the ceremony's host, Golden Globe Award winner Angela Bassett.

He is one of only two African artists to perform for the World Culture Open at the Lincoln Center in New York, and has also performed for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for World Refugees Day.

His latest CD, 'Abana', showcases Samputu's versatility. His recordings are steeped in the many rich traditions of Rwandan music and dance, and include influences from Uganda, Burundi, and the Congo, as well as pygmy voices and traditions. It is this deep and fertile mix of songs, instruments, and dances that embodies Samputu's tremendously varied talents.

Samputu sings in 6 languages (Rwanda, Swahili, Lingala, Ganda, French and English), and in styles ranging from soukous, rhumba, vodou and reggae, to traditional Rwandan 5/8, Afrobeat, pygmy, and gospel. He combines unique musical traditions from all regions of Rwanda, among them, Intwatwa, Umushayayo, Imparamba, and Ikinimba. His dance technique and style demonstrates why UNESCO officially declared Rwandan national dance one of the world's Unique Cultural Heritages.

In the 1980s, Samputu was a member of popular Rwandan band Nyampinga, who produced three albums. In 1985 he produced his first solo LP, 'Tegeka Isi'. Throughout the late 1980s he was a member of Orchestra Ingeli. Samputu toured Europe in 1993, and released his 'Twararutashye' LP. During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, he lost his parents and three siblings. In 1998 he moved to Canada.