RUHANGO – Mourners, who turned up for the burial of Rwanda’s legendary fallen artist Thomas Kirusu, on Wednesday, have described him as a gentleman who shared his talent.

Kirusu, was laid to rest at his home in Kiruri cell in Ruhango district.

He died on February 8 at the age of 81 and according to his daughter Sophia Nzayisenga, Kirusu developed serious swellings in the stomach and spent six months at Nyanza Hospital under intensive care, An official from the Ministry of Culture and Sports and traditional promised to keep Kirusu’s legacy intact.

"Kirusu was pivotal in Rwandan music and his music was educative to all. His death leaves us a big gap,” Alphonse Nkuranga, the ministry’s coordinator of sports and culture said. "The ministry will help to keep his legacy and talent alive in the family of Rwandans.”

Residents eulogized Kirusu as a gentleman who shared his talent with many and he will be remembered for his songs like; Impyisi ni bihehe, ingangi, mugoyi- which have fond memories in lives of most Rwandans in the 1970’s.

Kirusu is survived by three wives, 17 children, 36 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren.

By the time of his death he had produced over 30 songs using his traditional guitar.

His guitar was inherited by his 22-year old son, Nasan Bihezande.

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