Juvenal Amani Iradukunda, widely known as Evangelist Amani, is a gospel minister and singer from Rubavu District, Western Province of Rwanda. A member of Shekinah Missions Church, Amani says he entered music not by personal ambition but because “God called me to serve Him.”
In an interview with Paradise, Ev. Amani shared his experience from a month-long trip to Kenya, where he went to record songs and engage in evangelism. “It’s a great blessing. God helped me to record songs there, and I’ve returned to Rwanda safely. Something powerful happened. Glory to God,” he said.
Two Songs in Kenya, Album in the Works
While in Kenya, he recorded two songs, one of which is titled “Uwezo Wake” (Swahili for “His Power” or “God is Able”). He noted that both songs were recorded solo. A third song remains in a Kenyan studio and will feature on an upcoming album.
Although the new songs are in Swahili, Amani reassured fans that he hasn’t forgotten Kinyarwanda, pointing to earlier releases such as “Nta Ho Itakura Umuntu,” “Mu Biganza Byawe,” “Uranzi Yesu,” and “Isezerano.” Of these, he said: “The song ‘Nta Ho Itakura Umuntu’ opened doors for me and took me far, which is why I proudly wear a shirt with its title.”
From Ministry to Cultural Mishaps in Kenya
He humorously recalled his language challenges while in Kenya. Locals would say “Manda Manu,” which he misinterpreted to mean a blessing coming tomorrow, only to later learn it actually meant “There will be protests and a lockdown tomorrow.”
“I thought ‘Manda Manu’ meant things would go well tomorrow. Turns out it meant people would stay home due to a demonstration. It was part of democracy, not a pandemic,” he explained.
He praised the Kenyan music scene for its structure and openness but pointed out the language barrier when working with producers. “They are easy to work with if you speak the language. Otherwise, it’s difficult.”
He collaborated with one Kenyan artist and then shifted to church evangelism, connecting with various pastors, some introduced by his Rwandan ministry partners.
First Time on a Plane: “I Thought I Was Hitting Stones”
For Amani, the trip came with a personal first: his first-ever flight experience.
“It was my first time on a plane. I thank God because I never thought it was possible.”
He described his astonishment:
“I sat by the window to see buildings or mountains, but saw nothing except clouds. It’s not like being in a car where you can ask the driver where you are. In a plane, there are no signs; you just find yourself there.”
What surprised him most was the feeling of turbulence: “At one point, I felt like the plane was driving over rocks—like when a car hits a rough patch. That’s how it felt. Even in the sky, there are curves and bumps.”
He flew from Kenya at 6:30 p.m. and arrived in Rwanda by 7:00 p.m. local time.
He added: “The journey by car would’ve taken 24 hours. I had urgent things to do, and driving would’ve left me exhausted.”
Ministry and Future Projects
Amani stayed in Santon, Kasarani – Nairobi. He emphasized that for evangelists, “there are no borders,” and went on to preach in local churches through connections facilitated by Rwandan pastors.
He stated that his Kenya mission was mainly for the upcoming album, which will include 12 songs, all to be released with audio and video. “I will release them in phases, and the two from Kenya will complete the album,” he said.
He confirmed that no label represents him at the moment, but he is supported by gospel singer Jabastar (known for “Tugushimiye Kwakira Abashyitsi” and “U Rwanda Ruraberewe”), as well as Pastor Mababa, who assists him in day-to-day ministry.
Message and Reflections in the song "Uwezo Wake"
His song "Uwezo Wake" carries a deep spiritual message: “In both good times and bad, give thanks to God. And above all, pray daily because we are always in the hands of the Lord.”
Asked about how Kenyan and Rwandan gospel music compare, Amani boldly stated: “Rwanda has nothing to learn from Kenya musically. In fact, Kenya could learn from Rwanda, especially in manners and humanity.”
He concluded by expressing gratitude to his family, friends, and fans: “They prayed hard for me. Prayer is everything, without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Before boarding the plane at the airport in Kenya
Once he had arrived in Rwanda: Evangelist Amani said it was his first time boarding a plane. He added, "There is no place God cannot take a person to."
Enjoy the song "Nta ho Itakura Umuntu":
