Fallen music legend, Jean Christophe Matata was, yesterday, laid to rest in his native Burundi.

The Zouk maestro was buried in Manda cemetery in Burundian Capital, Bujumbura, by thousands of mourners from around the region and beyond.

A source told us; "Before Matata’s high-profile funeral, his fans had a chance to pay last respects.”

The ‘Amaso Akunda’ star died from South Africa, on January 3, 2011 after suffering from breathing problems.

Intore Massamba, one of the 10 Rwandan artistes who attended the burial, said: "very many artistes came from as far as Belgium, Canada and Denmark to bid farewell to our fellow artiste with dignity and rest fully in peace.”

Matata was born 1960 in Bujumbura. He began his musical journey at an early age, and, by 18, he was already famous across the region.

Driven by the love and enthusiasm of his Rwandan fans, Matata moved to Kigali in Rwanda 1986, where he developed his career as a sing/songwriter and consolidated his popularity.

Most of his songs  advocated for peace and security, especially in the Great Lakes Region. With more than 200 songs to his name, Matata leaves behind an incredible mark on the memory of the music lovers. 

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