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.

Kigali-based Holy Entrance Ministries which consists of young people aged 18 to 35 continues its mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus by supporting people spiritually and socially.

Founded in 2013 by three worshipers: Freddy Rugwiza who resides in Kenya, David Mugisha who lives in Australia and Peter Mpawikamba who is also a member of the Healing Worship Team, the ministry is currently composed of 78 worshipers.

According to its president, Jimmy Rubibi, Holy Entrance Ministries has a branch in Kayonza, Eastern Province, and Nairobi, Kenya and seeks to expand outside Africa as they continue to circulate the gospel of Christ where it hasn't reached.

"We want people to know that there is another life after this one we are living. What a person needs is the good Gospel of Christ to grow their faith, receive salvation, and be delivered so that they can secure eternal life," he said.

To supplement their mission, Holy Entrance Ministries carries out charity activities, including paying health insurance (Mutuelle de Sante) and school fees for the vulnerable and providing them with foodstuff – something Rubibi says helps them to better apprehend the gospel of Jesus.

According to Rubibi, since the time the ministries started, its current and former members have grown in terms of knowing Jesus and understanding His gospel.

"Some of them are now pursuing theology while others have turned into evangelists and better worshipers," he said, adding that the ministries have a Bible study program that encourages members to stay aligned with their mission.

Holy Entrance Ministries has also hosted different concerts across the country and has released two albums, each composed of eight songs. They are currently working on their third album.

Their latest song, "Ndagushimira" sheds light on how they are grateful to Jesus for saving them from eternal death and granting them eternal life through His death and resurrection. 

They sing only the Gospel of Jesus, the work He has done for humans, lifting His glory.

According to Rubibi, this year, Holy Entrance Ministries seeks to strengthen its social engagement and charity activities by supporting more vulnerable people in different sectors across the country.

He asserted that the ministries recognize this as a strong part that many people do not think about but a very significant one when teaching the Gospel of Jesus.

Some of Holy Entrance Ministries' popular songs include “Ndakomeye” and “Uzanyibutse.”

Source/ NT

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