'Beacon of inspiration': Tributes paid to Rwandan gospel singer 'Gogo'

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Tributes have continued to flow for Rwandan gospel singer Gloriose Musabyimana, better known by her stage name Gogo, who died Wednesday in Uganda's capital Kampala.

The 36-year-old singer breathed her last on the night of September 3 after a sudden illness while on a ministry tour. 

Musabyimana's death was announced by her representative manager, Bikem Uwayesu, who had travelled with her from Rwanda. 

He revealed that the popular musician fell ill and was rushed to Kyengera Doctors Centre, where she was pronounced dead after a few hours.

“RIP Gogo, what sad news! God, strengthen my heart," Uwayesu said in a post on social media, heartbroken that their mission trip had ended tragically.

According to him, Musabyimana and her team left Rwanda on August 28, 2025, to minister at a three-day gospel crusade in Mbarara, western Uganda, on August 29-31. The event drew large crowds and reinforced her reputation as a powerful worship leader.

After the crusade, they proceeded to Kampala, where she had lined up several engagements, including a promotional partnership with a Ugandan company and a scheduled performance at Pastor Wilson Bugembe’s church.

But shortly after arriving in the capital, Musabyimana's health deteriorated.

Friends initially assumed it was a recurrence of an illness she had previously battled, yet her condition worsened rapidly.

She was rushed to a health facility, where she was pronounced dead.

'It is so sad'

News of her passing shocked fans across Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond.

Ugandan singer Bruno K, who had recently hosted her on a live TikTok session, expressed his grief in posts on his X and TikTok accounts.

Translated from Luganda to English: “Ladies and gentlemen, our celebrity Gogo has passed away. I was with her recently, and I think God wanted us to celebrate together before she dies. It is so sad."

Across social media, tributes highlighted her inspiring ministry and the hope she had brought to countless listeners. Many described her as a “beacon of inspiration” whose voice comforted people in their struggles.

Born in 1989 in Rwamagana district, Eastern Province of Rwanda, Musabyimana grew up in the Anglican Church. Orphaned at a young age, she turned to her faith and music as an anchor, eventually becoming one of Rwanda’s most recognised gospel voices.

Her breakthrough came with the hit “Every Day, I Need Blood of Jesus”, a song that resonated widely and opened the door to other popular tracks such as “Uwo Mwana”. 

She was also famed for her widely sung “Burundi of Jesus” song.

Beyond the stage, she built a strong following online, especially with her latest sign-out slogan, "Guudubaayi", to mean goodbye, and online, where she shared messages of encouragement, scripture, and worship. 

Her influence cut across borders, making her a familiar name in East Africa’s gospel music community.

Musabyimana’s death leaves a gap in Rwanda’s gospel music scene, where she had become a leading figure for her generation. Her music, fans say, will continue to echo her unwavering faith and deep devotion.

According to her management representative, funeral arrangements will be announced by her family in due course.