Afro-pop artiste Martin Maniraruta, popularly known as Mani Martin, is in Japan where he is scheduled to perform at different concerts that aim at promoting peace through his music. This is the first time the singer will be performing in Asia. The tour, that is being organised by an organisation known as NPO Think About Education In Rwanda that operates both in Rwanda and Japan, is mainly aimed at promoting peace and education. The organisation has been holding peace concerts every year at Umuco Mwiza School, in Kimironko every August and the messages passed on are those of love, peace and unity. According to the singer, he is scheduled to perform at six concerts in different parts of Japan, where he hopes to increase his fanbase, while also promoting peace in the process, as well as meet members of the creative arts, especially music from the continent and get to know a thing or two about how music is done that side. Mani Martin revealed that he will be holding his first concert on June 6, in Hiroshima and called upon all his fans in Asia to come through and support him adding that he has something special specifically designed for his Rwandan fans. “Among the six concerts, there is one specifically for Rwandans dubbed, ‘Rwanda for summer’, and it’s a chance for me to meet and interact with my fans as they also get to enjoy great performances,’’ he said. More about the singer Mani Martin, a singer, songwriter and one of Rwanda’s modern contemporary artistes. At a young age, he joined the children’s church choir in his home village, from where he identified music as his source of happiness. The self-taught singer has released five albums that have added him on the list of recognised artistes on the local music scene. He holds several accolades, including Bronze Medal in Jeux De la Francophonie 2013, Salax Award Best Gospel artist 2009, to mention a few. He identifies himself as an ambassador of peace through his music and performed for the UN mission (UNAMID) peacekeepers in Darfur Sudan in 2012. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
