Has Jean Paul Samputu relocated to Kenya? That’s the question on his fans’ lips since the 2003 Kora Award-winner has not returned to Rwanda since he took part in the just-concluded Tusker Project Fame season six, (TPF 6), as one of the judges.
Jean Paul Samputu
According to a reliable source, Samputu is exploring business interests in Kenya and might not come back soon.
The source says that he is also in the process of selling off the assets of his Mizero Foundation to clear some bills, like paying his workers.
Already the Kisementi-based foundation is partly closed, and at time The New Times visited there was only the watchman.
“We are just waiting for him to come back and pay us. He has told us that he would come back soon and settle all our bills since his foundation is folding,” said one of the workers who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Samputu founded the organisation whose core business was to work with orphans and street children, using the vehicle of music for healing, self-worth, economic opportunities and hope.
Mizero Children have performed in a number of international arts festivals and peace events, taking the message of hope from Rwanda to the world.
The source also revealed that Samputu has parted ways with his long-time manager, Honore Iyakaremye, alias Honoray who is planning to establish his own foundation.
Jean Paul Samputu rose to worldwide fame after scooping the Kora Award in the traditional music category and has since been a peace ambassador spreading the message of forgiveness in many international forums.
He is also famous for forgiving a childhood friend who killed his father among other relatives during the infamous 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Efforts to reach him to confirm or deny the allegations have been unsuccessful since his phone has been off ever since he went to Kenya.
TPF6, which lasted eight weeks ended December 8.
By Joseph Oindo,The New Times
