Mighty Popo wins Gabriel honour

HIS light is shining beyond Africa. The Gabriel Canadian Broadcasting Corporation presented its Award to Canada–based Rwandan artiste Mighty Popo, on May 6 - Ottawa. He was honoured for the “Solo: The Mighty Popo”, a television programming that represents the spiritual qualities of the Gabriel Awards.“I am honoured to receive the Gabriel Award,” said Mighty Popo. “This is a living testimony to the fact that my music is appreciated and it uplifts the human spirits,” Mighty Popo, told The New Times.Through his music, Mighty Popo transcends cultural boundaries and embraces the human spirit. His songs reflect experiences in Rwanda and Burundi - countries in conflict and turmoil - are testament to the best of humanity: family, hope and tolerance. Since going to Canada 1987, his musical star has steadily risen with several awards under his belt, including the 2004 Juno best World Music Album with the African Summit Album, 2008 Canadian Folk Music Awards for his album, Muhazi, his solo work (his latest, Gakondo, was nominated for the 2011 Juno Awards) and his performances at high-profile shows — including the Canadian edition of Bob Geldof’s Live 8 concerts and CBC Radio’s Maple Leaf Mojo Meets New Orleans Gumbo benefit concert, broadcast live across Canada.His music uplifts the human spirit, inform, entertain, inspire, and make change in the world. Mighty Popo, real name Jacques Murigande, was born in Burundi, where his parents fled to in the early 60s.Introduced by Catholic media professionals, the annual Gabriel Awards recognizes inspiring stories of film, radio, television and the personalities behind and in front of the microphone.The Gabriel Awards are designed to honour works of excellence in film, network and cable television and radio programs. These include, feature films and documentaries, entertainment and news programming, public service announcements, and stations which serve audiences through the positive, creative treatment of concerns to humankind. A Gabriel-worthy film or program affirms the dignity of human persons; it recognizes and upholds universally-recognized human values such as community, creativity, tolerance, justice, compassion and the dedication to excellence.By sponsoring this annual awards competition, Catholic Academy hopes to encourage broadcasters and producers to produce films and programming that serves, enriches and challenge their audiences.

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Mighty Popo wins Gabriel honour