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Press Kit

Reviews and Quotes :

"The first Rwandan musician to establish true international visibility." - Banning Eyre,  Afropop Worldwide

"Fluidity and...passion in his voice are remarkable, also the elegance/imagination in his small-group arrangements, particularly the harmony vocals." - Rick Sanders, FRoots

"Samputu is an extraordinary gift! His performances enhance any event with their cultural significance, exuberant dance & drums, gentle and inspiring insights into the beauty and realities of Rwanda, and his testimony. He reaches all ages and extends people beyond their cultural boundaries. Samputu & Ingeli takes you to Rwanda through music & dance. His work is important and will complement any event. In my 10 years / 22 festivals, Samputu exemplifies WHY I produce cultural music & arts events."
- Jennifer Pickering, Executive Director & Founder, Lake Eden Arts Festival

"from...traditional 5/8 dance music of his native land to.... soul, gospel, and soukous/rumba...This man has a great future!" -Chris Nickson , All-Music Guide

"An amazing musical feat, borne of tragedy.....voice that recalls such mellow balladeers as Wasis Diop and Lokua Kanza." - Nigel Williamson , Songlines

"When they were playing the drums and dancing, after a while, it was like they weren't even playing the drums...but playing themselves." - legendary jazz bassist Keter Betts

On Testimony from Rwanda: "A small pearl of an album that deserves much wider exposure." - Global Village

On Voices from Rwanda: "From the cooing vocal harmonies and pounding drums of "Ingoma" to the folksy, acoustic guitar riff blended with haunting mouthbow, and soulful, high vocals of "Umukiza Araje" this album is rich with sonic allure." - Banning Eyre, Afropop Worldwide

Articles:

Boston Globe Article
Rwandan performs to heal
By Denise Taylor, November 30, 2006
html version
pdf version

Pace Law School
Gayl S. Westerman,
Professor of Law
and Director of International Programs

Jean Paul and Ingeli were the kick-off event for the
Pace Law School Genocide Awareness Week
from September 19th through the 22nd.
The International Law Society arranged for
panel discussions and presentations on genocide,
along with documentaries and films
showing throughout the week.
The purpose was to raise awareness of
students, faculty, and staff of the genocide now
occurring in Darfur and to raise funds for the victims.
It was a very successful event and the performance
by Jean Paul and Ingeli was the high point of the week.

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