Rwandan fans mourn Whitney Houston

Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mourn one of the world’s greatest songbirds, Whitney Houston, who was found dead in her hotel room after a long battle with drug and alcohol abuse that blighted her career. She was 48. The timing of her death, the eve of the Grammys, the biggest music event of the year, makes the horrible news even more tragic. Her death came on the eve of the Grammy awards on Sunday in Los Angeles.Her death was revealed by her publicist Kristen Foster, according to various media reports.In an industry flooded with artistes, who disappear after scoring one hit, Whitney’s longevity was unquestioned when she released her debut single called “You Give Good Love” in February 1985. The song’s soothing opening ad-libs displayed her soulful roots while also celebrating her pop sensibilities.Rwanda mourns.“RIP Whitney Houston!! I will never forget my favourite song from you: “I will always love you,” Rwanda’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Joseph Habineza posted on his Facebook account. “Some friends used to tell me that she mentions me in that song where she says: I wish you Joy (Joe) and Happiness (Habineza)!! It’s sad, she was still very young!”“Was a little shocked but not so surprised because she has been not so well for a long time – but it’s sad because most of us were inspired by her music,” singer Austin Tosh Luwano.“It was shocking news and I am feeling so bad! RIP Whitney, your beauty and grace and amazing voice will always shine. We will miss you, thank you for all the wonderful music,” commented singer-cum-actress Shanel.“I heard the news in the morning and I was really terrified!” singer Kamichi said, “Whitney was a great musician and one of favourite songs ‘Bodyguard’ and I also loved her performance on MTV awards with Mariah Carey. RIP Whitney Houston.”“My prayers go out to her family and friends. It’s not my job to judge her but to pray for her and her family. Everyone has issues. Her’s were just played out in front of the public eye. RIP Whitney,” said Jackson Muhire, one of the millions of Whitney’s fans in Rwanda.Initial media reports said she was found by veteran music producer Clive Davis at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills, California, US. She was in the Los Angeles area for a musical tribute to Davis. The singer had performed and spoken to reporters earlier in the week, according to reports.The authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the death, the Los Angeles Times reported, quoting a law enforcement source. No illegal drugs have been found in the hotel room where Whitney Houston died – at least not yet. However, TMZ reported that Whitney may have drowned in a bathtub following an overdose of prescription drugs. A number of singers and performing artists remembered one of America’s most popular singers on Twitter, lamenting the shocking death of the famed performer.“Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston,” Mariah Carey said on her Twitter account. “My heartfelt condolences to Whitney’s family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth.” Houston was an award-winning singer, actress, producer and a former model, best known for her chart-topping single “I Will Always Love You” which led to the production of an award-nominated film “The Bodyguard” in 1992. She was also known for musical hits including “How Will I Know” and “Saving All My Love for You.” As one of the most successful pop singers in modern music history, Houston was remembered as the most awarded female artist of all time, garnering a total of 415 awards including six Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards and countless other accolades during her lifetime, according to Guinness Book of World Records. Houston, who was often referred to as “Queen of Pop” or simply “the Voice,” is also one of the best-selling music artists in the world, having sold more than 170 million albums and singles before her death. The singer had a history of drug abuse. In 2004, following years of rumoured drug abuse, Houston entered a rehab during her first stint. She returned for second sting in the following year. In March 2011, the singer checked in for the third treatment of the problem. The singer’s voice sounded ragged and off-key when she appeared on “Good Morning” to promote her new album “I Look To You,” which triggered suspicions that she had lost her treasured gift as the drug and alcohol problem took its toll. Houston was seen out partying earlier this week and looked worse for wear, according to media reports. She left behind her only child Bobbi Kristina, who she had during her marriage to singer Bobby Brown.

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Rwandan fans mourn Whitney Houston