Gaspard Safari is president of the Rwanda Journalists Association. The first thing in the morning……. I tune to BBC at 5:00 for the morning news for only 30 minutes, after which I take a shower, take my children to school, then I start work at 7:00. What makes your day? Ooh! Am a very busy guy. I am an introvert guy, at round midday I go round town looking for local papers especially The New Times, and regional papers. And of course I have to listen to Focus on Africa on BBC at 5:00 p.m. Your favorite meal…. Matooke won’t do bad for me and posho with a glass of milk and lots of water. What is your style? Simple things because am a simple guy. Your greatest fear…. I fear to fail in anything. I have even developed ulcers because I fear not to meet my target. All your money goes on….. I spend a lot of my money on buying newspapers and magazines. What keeps you awake at night? My young daughter, she is one and half, she keeps on calling dad in the middle of the night. Your favourite word? Oh! My God! I just find myself saying that most of the time. Which local artist inspires you? Unfortunately I’m not into that kind of thing. Your most unappealing habit…… I don’t like when I see people I know and I don’t go to greet them. My friends tell me am self-centred. Your romantic nightspot in Kigali….. There is a spot in Nyamirambo up the hills, when you are there you can see the whole of Kigali. I think this is the best spot for me at night, it’s like you are in Johannesburg. What is the closest you have ever come to death? Not long ago, it’s two years ago when I was driving from La Pallise in a small car. Then here comes a mini bus (matatu). The guy was running away from the traffic police so he wanted to overtake another vehicle yet I was coming up. I dodged him, but he scratched my car and he was driving past 100km per hour. I got out of the car and stood out for like 20 to 30 minutes thinking of what could have happened. To whom would you most wish to say sorry, and why? I think my son, some times I yell at him when I think he has done something bad, yet I don’t have evidence. Tell us your secret… I think it’s to work till there is no more. I think people who have succeeded in life in whatever field have worked hard and I am even advising those who want to succeed in whatever they do to work hard and do whatever they do at the best, until they develop ulcers… (He laughs) Contact: dougie85@gmail.com
