He was a common figure in the Rwandan music industry. His charming allure and thick dreadlocks made him a renowned face on the music scene. His humble demeanour and permanent smile made him adored by many.

However on Sunday, December 13, the music industry woke up to the sad news that John Safari Papy had succumbed to Diabetes, at the University Central Hospital of Kigali (CHUK).

Members of the Rwanda showbiz industry took to different social media platforms to mourn the musician who is remembered for songs such as Umutimaukunda as well as weekly performances in different hotels and hangouts around Kigali.

According to his family, SafaPapy as he was commonly known on stage, passed away on Saturday evening after years of battling diabetes. The 50-year-old keyboard specialist had been admitted at CHUK for close to two weeks.

"He was admitted on Monday last week but his condition deteriorated on Saturday morning. Doctors continued to attend to him but at around 6pm the same day, he breathed his last,” the deceased’s wife said.

The deceased was described as a talented and brilliant man who dedicated his life to music.

"I remember when I was still young, there was this cool young man who was a member "Les HuitAnges" band, who used to play the keyboard and sing "Fresh" by Kool and the Gang and impress me. He became my role model in music until the time we started doing enjoyable music together,”

"I will never forget you PAPY JOHN SAFA...May your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” said Lion Imanzi, one of the people who recall well the music prowess of the fallen singer.

Actor and director Denis Nsanzimana also revealed that he had recently met and spent an evening out with SafaPapy, little did he know it was the last time he was seeing him.

"We had a great time together my all-time friend. My brother Rest in peace and we will always remember you. You are a music legend,” said Nsanzimana in his tribute to the singer and instrumentalist.

Singer and Karaoke hostess Carolyne Nderitu also paid tribute to SafaPapy, describing him as a talented and brilliant man who was passionate about music.

"Just last week we were catching up and he was telling me how he is back from Kampala and we were planning on a gig at the Kigali Casino. Pappy was a brilliant Keyboard player and passionate musician,”

"It is true that this world isn't our home - we're just passing by. Rest with the Angels ...... till we meet again. May God grant your family the strength they need to deal with your departure-It's not easy,” said Nderitu in her Facebook tribute.

Born in 1966 in Kinshasa, SafaPapy is survived by four children and a widow. He had recently announced that he would be going back to the studio to record songs after his fans demanded more from him. In July, he performed at the annual KigaliUp music festival.

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