Jean Paul Samputu on Clubhouse

Bio

Jean Paul Samputu was named the 1st place winner of the International Songwriting Competition - World Music Category. http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm in Nashville USA.

A winner of the prestigious Kora Award (the "African Grammy") in 2003, the Pearl of African Music (PAM) Award for best Rwandan male artist in 2006, and the Calabash Award for Peace, Jean Paul Samputu travels the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda, bringing not only traditional Rwandan singing, dancing, and drumming, but also a message of peace and reconciliation. Samputu is a singer with a strong, clear and beautiful voice, which harmonizes and leads in soaring passages, and whispers in quiet ballads. His versatility testifies to his command of many African styles, genres and traditions beyond Rwanda. He sings in sweet tenor and alto voices, in falsetto, as well as in low baritone growls, an airy South African style, and in the pygmy (intwatwa) style of southern Rwanda.

Born in Rwanda Samputu began singing in a church choir, and was influenced by traditional and contemporary music. The tragic genocide of 1994 affected Samputu in a profound way: He lost both of his parents, three brothers, and a sister. When he recovered from these horrific events, he dedicated his life to using his music to further the causes of peace, healing, and reconciliation. 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 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. 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 United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees for World Refugee Day. Other performances include Duke University; the Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF) in North Carolina; Pace University Law School; National Geographic Society; United Nations Day of Rememberance; AfroFest; and many other festivals, universities, churches, schools, and communities.