It has been 17 years since gospel musician Richard Nick Ngendahayo left Rwanda to live in United States. This, however, didn’t derail him from staying true to himself. He continued his service as a praise and worship leader in church at what was his new home. The singer, currently based in Dallas, returned home a three weeks ago with his wife with whom they have one child. He is now back with a heart full of faith and anticipation ahead of his ‘Niwe Healing Concert’ scheduled for November 29 at BK Arena. ALSO READ: US based singer Ngendahayo on how he ditched journalism for music In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Ngendahayo reflected on the life he built abroad, the spiritual guidance that shapes his music, and the longing that finally drew him back to the country he calls home. Returning home Ngendahayo describes his long-awaited homecoming as an overwhelming moment of peace and joy, a feeling that came from reconnecting with his homeland and the people he had missed deeply over the years. His return has reignited both personal and spiritual connections. “The moment I got out of the airplane, I felt at peace. I cannot describe it. It wasn’t about the weather or the environment, just peace, the same feeling I had when I first went to Jerusalem in 1999. I’ve missed the people. I’ve missed my country. So it’s good to be here again, back home after all these years,” he explains. ALSO READ: Nick Ngendahayo describes his comeback as ‘God’s timing’ Life in the US and what inspires him Ngendahayo said his time in the United States was deeply transformative, both spiritually and creatively. This, he said, brought him closer to God and strengthened his connection to His heart. “This experience shaped me in a very big, positive way. It brought me closer to God. While recording this album, I never expected the outcome to be so significant. God amazed me by using it to help many people—bringing change, inspiring salvation in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” he said. Living abroad allowed the musician to grow in faith and see firsthand how his music could impact lives, reinforcing his sense of purpose as both an artist and a minister of the gospel. Ngendahayo emphasizes that his music is entirely guided by God, not by his own skill or creativity. He sees himself not as a songwriter or composer, but as a messenger delivering what God has placed in his heart. “I don’t compose or write songs. I received them. All credit goes to God because He’s the one who inspires me, putting the songs into my heart,” he explained. “My job is simply to deliver them. I’m just a servant. God decides what people need to hear, what can bring change into their lives, and I only share what He gives me. I have no power to change anyone on my own—He is the one who works through the songs to make a difference,” he added. ALSO READ: Richard Nick Ngendahayo back with new track after six-year hiatus His creative process is therefore entirely rooted in divine guidance, with every melody, word, and message coming through spiritual prompting rather than personal talent. Faith and Gratitude Ngendahayo is the fourth child in a family of seven. He was born and raised in Bujumbura, Burundi, where his family exiled as refugees. He stayed with his family in the Burundian capital until he and his three other siblings joined Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPA) for the liberation struggle in 1991. He expressed deep gratitude for Rwanda’s progress and leadership, attributing the nation’s transformation to God’s guidance. He praised President Paul Kagame whom he called a “man of God” who always strives to push the country to new heights. “I always call him [Kagame] a man of God because you can’t achieve such milestones without God guiding you,” he said. “He has achieved things no one could have imagined—what you see in the cities, on the streets, in the buildings—it’s all thanks to him. Without his leadership, the country could have been in a very different, difficult place. God has truly given us a great gift,” he noted. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of those who serve Rwanda, including military and police personnel, and encouraged citizens to respect them. Essence of Niwe Healing concert Ngendahayo emphasized that his homecoming concert is part of an ongoing spiritual journey—a chance to inspire and uplift others. “I am just a messenger. God brings change. I will deliver the message.” ALSO READ:Ngendahayo’s Niwe Healing Concert marks 'a triumphant homecoming' Prior to Niwe Healing Concert, he is looking forward to reconnecting with his audience, mentoring a new generation of worshippers, and the divine inspiration behind every song he sings. For the singer, the homecoming is not just a return to Rwanda but a celebration of faith, a mission to uplift others, and an encounter with God he promises will touch everyone in the arena. He also urged attendees to come prepared to experience transformation and divine connections through worship. “People should expect an encounter with God at the concert. There will be a change that God is going to make in people’s lives,” “On each seat, wherever somebody is sitting, God will be next to them. His angels will be surrounding the arena. Expect a move of God in your soul—something bigger than what you came for. You might think you’re just coming to praise or watch, but you’re going to meet God and feel Him,” he said. Entrance tickets for the concert are available via www.ticqet.rw at Rwf5,000, Rwf10,000, Rwf15,000, Rwf25,000 and Rwf30,000.
