Jean Paul Samputu: Music and Forgiveness | 20 Years After the Genocide | Playing For Change Foundation

Twenty years ago, Rwandan musician Jean Paul Samputu was one of the few members of his immediate family who was not killed during the genocide. Here, he speaks with us about his journey to survive, to forgive and to begin again. Music was critical to him finding his way.

Since 2009, the Playing For Change Foundation has been working in Rwanda to create positive change through music education. During the creation of our new program in Rwanda in 2013, Jean Paul helped connect us with musicians and teachers in the area, and also visited our music students.

Through our work with the Star School Music and Sports Program located outside the capital city of Kigali, the next generation of Rwandans are learning music and the lessons of inspiration, resilience and joy that it provides.