Athanase Sentore’s body arrives today

Athanase Sentore, the legendary singer whose enduring hits include ‘Dushengurukanye isheja” and “Nimurambe”, died on Wednesday night at the age of 80. He is survived by eight children. Sentore’s son Intore Masamba, a renowned musician, told The New Times that the body will arrive today, March 23, – adding that the burial would take place either on Sunday or Monday.The 80-year-old singer died at 5:20 pm (7:20 pm local time) at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai, India, with his daughter by his side. Masamba said the cause of death was liver failure.“It’s a tremendous loss for his fans in the country and beyond,” he said. “He’ll be missed. A great Rwandan singer. His music defied category,” said Geoffrey Ntare, a resident of Kigali city.Sentore had been suffering from liver complications for many months, and during his illness, his family, fellow musicians and fans tried to save his life by organising fundraising concerts to sponsor his treatment.He was admitted at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 2011, – he was later taken to Fortis hospital in Mumbai, India, where he passed away from after a month and four days. Boldness was as much a trademark of Sentore, a famous folk artiste, who inspired very many Rwandan musicians and transformed many lives using the power of his music.For many years, he’d notch many more, carving a niche for himself with his husky, soulful voice and excellent attitude, which permeated his songs.He remains a living legend far beyond Rwanda. Sentore composed a string of hits during his career including “Ndabakunda”, “Ibihangange”, Nyirabisabo”, and “Inkotanyi.” He performed to packed audiences across Rwanda, Spain, America, UK, China, Germany, and other Western countries.The Minister of Sports and Culture paid tribute to the fallen artiste. “It is very sad news! Sentore contributed a lot to the development of Rwanda’s culture and to the music scene. I visited him at his home shortly before he left for India, and last week his son, Masamba, had told me that his father’s condition had improved,” said Protais Mitali.Other tributes Leading Rwandan Reggae artiste Natty Dread said Sentore’s talent was unmatched.“I have just learnt about the sad news from Facebook. It’s a pity that we have lost such a great person. Sentore and I have been communicating a lot because we wanted to establish a music school for culture, where Rwandans would learn cultural performances from. We have lost a big part in Rwanda’s music industry and in culture. RIP.” “Sentore never aged. He retained his energy, humour and his amazing capacity to perform. He was restless; often saying he wishes there was someone who could promote the traditional music if he died,” said Daniel Inanga, one of the late Sentore’s music students.“He taught me how to sing, play ‘Inanga’ – a traditional instrument, how to compose and write songs and to perform. I have lost a teacher, mentor and a very important person in my life,” he added.“Sentore’s music was original. He was a talented artiste with a unique voice, unlike the current generation of ‘Wanna be’s’,” said Steven Guma, one of his fans.Shanel said: “It’s always sad when someone dies. Sentore’s legacy will live forever as well as his love and respect.”The singer/actress also wrote on Facebook: “Legends never die....so is Sentore! His love and passion for Rwandan culture and its people will always live on.....so is our love and enormous respect for him!”Jado Kanobana, Production Manager at Positive Production, who worked with the legend for many years said: “He was so talented and loved his culture and the music. I worked with Sentore at various music events including one at the French Cultural Centre in 2006, and at the National University of Rwanda.”He added: “I also worked with him during the 2008 FESPAD. Sentore always advocated for culture and uniting people through his music. We have lost a great person.”

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Athanase Sentore’s body arrives today