Celebrity watch:Pastor P

Patrick Bugingo, better known by his stage name, “Pastor P”, for the last three years has been one of Rwanda’s finest producers. He has been a runner-up as local best producer and twice won awards. Born on August, 1st, 1986, Pastor P entered studio business in 2005 as an apprentice. He made his first hit two years later, ‘Ndaroota’, which means ‘Dreaming’, sung by songbird Shanel. The song is questionably listed as one of the best songs to ever come from Rwanda.

Monday, December 19, 2011
Pastor P . The New Times/Courtesy

Patrick Bugingo, better known by his stage name, "Pastor P”, for the last three years has been one of Rwanda’s finest producers. He has been a runner-up as local best producer and twice won awards.

Born on August, 1st, 1986, Pastor P entered studio business in 2005 as an apprentice. He made his first hit two years later, ‘Ndaroota’, which means ‘Dreaming’, sung by songbird Shanel. The song is questionably listed as one of the best songs to ever come from Rwanda.

He went on  to record several hit songs for famed artistes like, Masamba, Miss Jojo, Jay Polly, Aline Gahongayire at his home studio, ‘Narrow Road’.

The producer says that he is currently occupied with recording songs for French artists whom he met on his trip to France. He was invited by local veteran icon, Ben Kayiranga, to assist the latter with studio work.

Apart from creating music, Pastor P is also a singer. He is a born-again Christian who released his first worship album named ‘Warakoze Kunkiza’ and says he is making final touches on his second.

Pastor P (who isn’t really a church pastor) does more secular songs than gospel, and is often in the company of secular singers as opposed to his fellow gospel artistes.

If you have met him before, then you know he has an eye for contemporary fashion – always dressed in voguish suits, or for a more casual look, jeans with plaited hair.

He insists that his lifestyle, which differs from what regular Christians are fond of, has helped him reach out to people from all walks of life including some of his stubborn non-believing friends.

emma.munyaneza@newtimes.co.rw