Stars put a smile on Genocide survivors’ faces

It was a great day for the survivors, on Monday— when two buses carrying Primus Guma Guma finalists stopped in Rwakibirizi sector (2), in Bugesera District to offer their support and love.In spite of the hard times, Rwandans remember, for the 18th time, a million lives lost in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the stars put a smile on their faces. They entertained them with their great music, and also offered them assorted items that included rice, soap, cooking oil and sugar. “The purpose of this visit is to support the survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Last week we visited Ntarama memorial site and in Nyamata, because this area has a terrible history about the Genocide,” said Jean Pierre Uwizeye, Primus and Heineken Brand manager. “We came with the artistes so that they could see for themselves what happened here and join other Rwandans to fight against divisive ideology which can lead to genocide. We’re going to give donations to 25 families,” he said. “Last week we visited the memorial sites but this time we came purposely to support these families – because Bralirwa Ltd, through its flagship brand Primus has the responsibility to join Rwandans to build the country and to support the government’s programs to develop the country,” Uwizeye said.By the time the artistes arrived at Rwakibirizi (2), there were only a handful of people, but within a few minutes, screaming fans turned out in droves to see their favourite artists.Primus Guma Guma artistes are using their star power to support Genocide survivors as well as raise awareness of the urgency to do more in addressing the impact of the Genocide ideologies, particulary among the youth.Visiting homesCyriaque Nyirimanzi, 60, was among the Genocide survivors visited. He is a widower whose family was killed in the Genocide.“I am so glad for the items I have received. I don’t remember when I last took tea with sugar, or ate rice. May God bless them…!” Nyirimanzi said.Céleste Kanuma, an official from Rwakibirizi sector said: “We are very grateful for this kind of support. It is indeed very important that during this period we show love and support to the survivors.”“I encourage everyone to develop the spirit of love for these people, especially during these trying moments. The youth should fight against anything that can lead to divisionism among them. Let’s join hands and build our country instead of destroying it,” Kanuma said.Cathyline Muhongerwa, who is in charge of social affairs in Nyamata, thanked the artistes and Bralirwa for the initiative to visit Genocide survivors in Rwakibirizi sector.“We are happy to know that the artistes are also going to entertain the survivors –that will help them not to dwell on the terrible things that happened to them,” Muhongerwa said before the performances. PerformancesThe crowd clearly enjoyed the performances as they rubbed shoulders with the music stars.Emmy performed his singles “Ibyo bavuga” and “Uranyuze”, while King James entertained the crowd with his “Buhoro buhoro”. Jay Polly performed “Mumutashe” and Dream Boy’s TMC sang “Isano” and wrapped it with “Iteka n’iteka”.“We’re representing all artistes, including those who didn’t make it among the Primus Guma Guma 10 finalists to visit the survivors of the Genocide,” said Just Family. “We shall inform all Rwandans through our music to support these people because they really need our support. This is not the end of it, we shall continue to visit them, even other needy people and I encourage everyone to do so.”

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Stars put a smile on Genocide survivors’ faces