Gender-based violence has not only shattered relationships and marriages but also resulted in the loss of lives and a rising number of broken children, among other issues like financial stress, and trauma.
It is through this that Yvonne Mushimiyimana, mostly known as Sister Yvonne, released a family song ‘Urugo Rwiza’.
ALSO READ: Female artistes share their journey in the music industry
The gospel artiste believes that God created marriage as a loyal partnership between man and woman, and it is a firm basis for building a family.
However, she said that many of today’s marriages are falling apart as couples fail to express love because they are selfish.
Since Jesus is the true example of selfless love, Mushimiyimana said that husbands are directed to follow Jesus’ example and love their wives, and wives are directed to do the same.
In her song, she explains the need for a unified family, as it pleases the Lord.
"Marriages can be strengthened if there is forgiveness, no one is perfect, there is a need for one to realise they’re in wrong and ask for forgiveness and also be willing to forgive in case they’re wronged,” she told The New Times.
ALSO READ: Gospel music shouldn’t be a business—gospel singer Rwibasira
Value and honour each other and put your spouse’s needs above your own, the gospel singer added, "Take your problems to God in prayer, a happy marriage is one when partners stand together in prayer.”
One thing she dislikes is when partners discuss their problems with anyone, anyhow, and advises that such matters should be discussed only with a trusted friend, counsellor, or church leader.
"Reading the Bible enables one to know that truth, and it fills them with the knowledge of Christ, which can allow them to understand how to treat their partners, and also how to react when problems arise,” she said.
Mushimiyimana is of the view that couples ought to be willing to support each other to grow in their faith, walk with God, and push each other to do better in their abilities and at work—and discover the best in themselves—not forcing the other party to change who they are.
ALSO READ: Gospel music nationwide talent pool underway
She explained that every marriage or relationship encounters trials, but it takes two people to make it work, for instance, through improved communication, consistent dedication, and commitment.
"One mistake most people make is to try to change their partners, instead of noticing their own mistakes and changing for the better,” she said.
The songbird added that patience is key, drawing an example from Ephesians 4:2 which says, ‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’.
Mushimiyimana grew up singing in church with her mother and siblings, and with time, she started writing songs as she practiced singing. Gradually, her talent improved.
ALSO READ: Why I swapped secular for gospel music - Sister Yvonne
She started singing in 2009, though by then, she was a secular singer mostly focusing on love ballads. She was motivated to pursue a career in singing while in high school when she composed a song titled ‘Icyampa’, which surprisingly, her fellow students and teachers loved so much that they sang it often at school.
Mushimiyimana officially embarked on the gospel journey in 2017, after getting baptised, and vowed to serve God going forward.
Today, she has released 34 songs and launched her album, ‘A Zero’, in 2018. While preparing for her second album launch, ‘Isengesho ry’Urukundo’, slated for March 2020, Covid-19 happened, forcing her to postpone her plans.
She is currently compiling songs for a new album that is yet to be named and released.