John Byiringiro Singleton also known as “John B. Singleton” is a gospel artiste who seeks to encourage, inspire, and unify people across the globe through his songs. The 26-year-old visually impaired musician was born in a small village called Nyundo in Rubavu district. He was in his mother’s arms at seven months old when she got struck by lightning that killed her instantly. The boy however, got a chance to live although his eyesight was compromised because of the electric charge. After his mother’s death, Byiringiro was placed in an orphanage. He attended “HVP Gatagara”, a primary and secondary school reserved for visually impaired people. While there he learned to sing and play the keyboard. Byiringiro says he discovered that God endowed him with a gift of music when he was around three years old. “I remember myself as a child in the orphanage,” he narrates, “singing for the guests from overseas who used to come to visit. The director of the orphanage would choose me among so many children to go sing, and I'd receive candies, and there is nothing that excited me more than singing for other people, plus I was rewarded with candies in the process.” At the age of 12 when Byiringiro was about to graduate from school, an American family based in Texas, USA adopted him. That was in 2014. It is in his newfound home in Texas that Byiringiro honed his skills in singing, strictly gospel music, and pursued his undergraduate degree in education with a major in English. Byiringiro said he opted to venture into gospel music after realising that he had a personal relationship with Jesus. “I had come to understand that nobody loves me the way He does, and I wanted to live my life for Him, and use every bit of my whole self for His Glory,” he said. As an artiste, Byiringiro is willing to explore a variety of genres as long as they align with his values, hence he finds his uniqueness in being an artist who wants to celebrate everything that pleases God. “I want to sing about some topics. Maybe people who mainly listen to worship music may not expect me to find myself singing. I will not put myself in a box. For example, God created marriage. Not only that, it is a perfect representation of His sacrificial love toward us as His children. We first see this even from the book of Genesis all the way to the book of revelation. So, there is nothing that will deter me from writing and singing songs that celebrate what God thinks is praiseworthy,” he said. Byiringiro was spotted by Kina Music founder Clement Ishimwe while on a North American tour scouting for talents. Byiringiro says that before he met the label, he had trouble funding his music and could not be consistent when it came to releasing new music. “I also could not figure out how to best promote my music,” he continued “however, thanks to Kina Music USA, because I do not have those challenges anymore. I can actually be at peace knowing that I have a support system that is available to encourage me, support me where possible, and just explore what I'm capable of as a musician.” Kina Music USA recorded Byiringiro’s debut single titled “Uzanyibutse written, recorded and produced by Clement Ishimwe and directed by Cedric. Through his music, Byiringiro seeks to deliver a message of hope since he believes that without hope, it's difficult to stay motivated, and that “we have to stay motivated so that we can continue to be what God has designed us to be, as well as living with the purpose that God had in mind when He created us in His perfect image.” “When you feel hopeless,” he continued, “revisit what gives you hope.” Byiringiro also urges persons with disabilities to believe in themselves by saying, “you're not defined by your limitations in life, and your purpose is to enjoy God and to glorify Him. So, live it and never compare yourself with anyone. You're beautiful and valuable the way God made you, and you can overcome anything that's in front of you because your maker who loves you tremendously is powerful.” The musician goes on to advise people to actively look for ways to help others. “Being a blessing to someone else provides so much joy. Rather than complaining about your problems, become an answer to someone else, and I have no doubt that this is absolutely possible. Where there is a will, there is always a way,” he said. Byiringiro seeks to encourage, inspire, and unify people across the globe through his music and believes the future of his music career is bright.
