A life well lived, thousands turn up to celebrate Buravan’s life
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
All pictures by Olivier Mugwiza.

At around 3pm all the grounds of Kigali Exhibition and Conference Village (formerly Camp Kigal) was packed as thousands, young and old turned up to pay a tribute and mourn Buravan, real name Yvan Dushime Burabyo.

At around 7:10 Target Band together with Kingdom of God Ministries, a worship team that was founded by the late Yvan Buravan performed three songs, one of which he had written.

The worship team praised for a while and at 7:34 candles were lit and a minute of silence and tribute was paid to him.

It was a moment of mixed feelings as some were celebrating how he lived a meaningful life while others mourned how he's left too soon.

One of his many friends Kevin Kade performed a song for Buravan. Through the song he expressed how the late Buravan was one of positive mindset, and how too soon it was for him to rest.

In tears and agony, he added that he wished there was another opportunity to meet him again, even if it was just for one minute.

Later, Pastor Antoine Rutayisire shared the word on living a life of legacy, and the value of life, saying that the value of life is not how long you live this life but how much you achieve in the years you live.

Mbonyi, Prosper Nkomezi, Serge and other gospel artists sang"Ni Yesu" the latest song on his last album.

During the commemoration ceremony at around 20:07 minutes, the late singer's parents were awarded a silver YouTube plaque for his YouTube channel.

Since the ceremony was being followed online by people from different places his YouTube channel hit more than 1000 subscribers.

Buravan's family shared testimonies of how he started singing at the age of 14, but had already joined Sunday school at a younger age.

He was a patriotic singer and proved that through his album "Twaje" which was all traditional (gakondo).

Several artistes also joined in to pay tribute, including Massamba Intore, Ruti Joel, Jules Sentore, Andy Ubumuntu, Uncle Austin, as well as friends and fans.

Andy Ubumuntu performed 'Garagaza,' another hit of the Buravan which was liked by many.

Ruti Joel a very close friend sang 'Twaje,' which left nobody in their seats as the audience was over joyed.

In her speech, the Minister of Youth and Culture Rosemary Mbabazi said that Buravan’s life leaves the young people a lesson to love God and their country.

Mbabazi added that the country loved him and saw a future in his work which is why they supported him up to the last minute.