Recent Samputu interview - Opinion from African celebrities

Kora Award winning Rwandan musician calls for stability to stop illegal migration
By Sulah Nuwamanya, special APA correspondent in Kigali, Rwanda

APA-Kigali (Rwanda) A celebrated award winning Rwandan musician, Jean Paul Samputu says an African political federation is a possible dream any African can better wish, but it can only be achieved if all Africans change their mindsets and discourage ethnicity and divisionism.

On illegal migration

Africans flee because there is economic, social and political instability in their home countries. Furthermore, they flee war. If we come to solve these various instabilities, no one will want to leave Africa. I suggest that Africans especially the Africa Union and leaders should emphasize much on conflict resolution and that we put more efforts in solving these problems with unity, economic and political reconciliation.

On Europe taking its distance from Africa

Africa needs to find a solution among its children. Africa herself must do this. When the white men came to our land, we did not close the door to them. They took from us everything they wanted. They exploited our natural resources, including our grandfathers as slaves to their countries. However, I have learnt that we cannot repay evil with evil. One thing is certain, if we unite and continue our development, we Africans will not need to ask for a visa. Western countries will be begging us to come to them!

On Pan-African government

The most important thing is to be united in our hearts and in our thoughts. Africans must be united. Take a look at Western countries. They also have problems and struggles but is there an ethnic tension? Let us change our thoughts (mindset) !We must be the change we want to see in Africa, then the United State of Africa will start from there.

On the high cost of living

Africans need to work hard. Look at China… with change and effort together, helping one another succeed. We must take on a spirit of cooperation and work hard! We must change our attitude towards work and create work.

On the FIFA World Cup 2010

Africans should begin NOW to see themselves as WINNERS and develop an attitude and a strategy of victory. They must see themselves as WINNERS and they will WIN. Also, let’s all pray for an African team to win!

On his career

A song entitled ’Hey Forgive’, a song to encourage forgiveness, unity and reconciliation among Africans but particularly to Rwanda that was deeply affected by the 1994 genocide.

I am embarking on reconciliation projects which will empower youth who are the future leaders of Africa. I have established a child orphanage centre in Rwanda and I would need all kind of support to keep my obligation and vision, and also to continue assisting the African child.

After my own experience of learning to forgive the men who had murdered my parents during the 1994 genocide, there was a change in my style of music. I returned to the roots of my country. I began to incorporate traditional Rwandan musical instruments and began to compose songs in a more traditional sound. The result of which, I was appreciated and allowed me to win an ’international song writing’ award in Nashville -USA.

There is no sustainable music industry in Africa. Artists also need to return to their own identity. Our people should learn to promote their own culture and values, become educated about their own culture, and create institutions to promote the arts. We are learning from bad past experiences and can now unite to change the world

SN/daj/APA
2008-07-25