Who: Jean Paul Samputu, a Rwandan genocide survivor and one of the most prominent African artists on the world stage, and Ingeli, a dance, drumming and singing ensemble
What: An evening of traditional African singing, dancing and drumming, with a message of peace and reconciliation
When: Monday, September 18th, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Sorenson Center for the Arts, Babson College, Wellesley, Mass.
Tickets: Free and open to the public
A one-hour concert will be followed by a question and answer session.
Internationally acclaimed singer and winner of the prestigious Kora Award (the “African Grammy”) in 2003, Jean Paul Samputu (www.samptu.com) travels the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda. Samputu lectures internationally on peace, reconciliation, genocide, HIV/AIDS and development. He sings in six languages in styles ranging from soukous, rhumba and reggae, to traditional Rwandan, Afrobeat, pygmy and gospel music.
Born in Rwanda in 1962, Samputu was influenced by traditional and contemporary music, including Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Lionel Richie. Samputu's latest CD, Testimony From Rwanda, showcases his versatility. His recordings are steeped in the many rich traditions of Rwandan music and dance, and include influences from Uganda, Burundi, and the Congo. With his dance troupe Ingeli, he captivates audiences of all ages. He continues his efforts to educate young people about genocide through panel discussions and forums at colleges and universities.
Please contact Elizabeth Goldberg, Assistant Professor, English: Postcolonial Literatures (egoldberg@babson.edu) or 781-239-4360 for more information.
