Jean Paul Samputu
Jean Paul Samputu 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, 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 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 Commisioner for Refugees for World Refugees Day. Other performances include Duke University, as part of Duke's prestigious Performance Series, the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) in North Carolina, Pace University and Pace Law School, and many other universities, churches, schools, and communities. Samputu sings in six languages and in styles ranging from soukous, and rhumbato to traditional Rwandan 5/8, Afrobeat, pygmy, and gospel. With his dance troupe Ingeli, he captivates audiences of all ages.
| Song | |||||
| Wari Uri He Mana |
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| Turengere Umwana |
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| Urarunyambitse |
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| Wari Uri He Mana? (Instrumental) |
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| Igihe Kirageze |
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| Bimaze Iki Kubaho |
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| Gisa |
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| Disi Garuka |
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| Nimuze Tubyine |
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| Ngarambe (No. 1) |
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| Ampora Ku Mutima |
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| Nyaruguru |
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| Shimwa (Be Praised) |
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| Ingoma (Drums) |
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| Mu Ijuru (In Heaven) |
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| Abaana (Children) |
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| Psalm 150 |
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| Mwami (King of Kings) |
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| Yesu Wange (Thank you Jesus) |
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| Iraganje (He Reigns) |
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| He Made Us One |
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| Ingoma 2 (Drums 2) |
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| Amakondera (Horns) |
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| Umukiza Araje (The Savior is Coming) |
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| Sanyuka |
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| Urusobe (Instrumental) |
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| Karibu Mungu |
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| Viens Danser |
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| Kunda Inka |
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| Rehema |
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| Abaana |
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| Ange Noir |
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| Disi Garuka |
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| Tamara |
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