The celebrated Cultural singer, Mzee Athanase Rwagiriza Sentore passed away on Wednesday 21, 2012. He was an icon, mentor and trainer of Rwanda’s cultural musicians. He always encouraged artists to put more emphasis on ancestral music and embrace the Rwandan culture.Mzee Sentore managed to win different trophies in various countries because of his original and exceptional compositions. He was a composer and an advisor to the national ballet.The 80-year-old singer was suffering from poor blood circulation and had travelled to India for treatment but died at a Mumbai hospital in India where he has been receiving treatment for several months.Mzee Sentore’s strong vocal ability, the unique musical style coupled with the way he played the melodious Inanga instrument, will always live for generations to come. Rwanda is mourning a father, mentor, an advocate of culture and above all, an inspiration to the music fraternity.
