Meet Jonas Bagaza who dropped brand new song titled "Hallelujah" - VIDEO

Who is Jonas? Introduce yourself? And tell us about your background?

I am happy to introduce myself to this platform My name is Jonas Bagaza, I am born again Christian, I am married to my loved one Mutoni Bagaza Nadine, I am residing in the USA, in the State of Ohio, since 2018. I hold bachelor’s degree in economics and business studies (Finance) In 2014 at Kigali Independent University then I decided to pursue my education in the USA where I have attained Master’s degree in business administration, global leadership concentration. I worked with A light to the National Africa ministries for five years as financial manager before moving to the State. 

When did you feel starting gospel music? Have ever dreamed of becoming a gospel artiste?

I have grown in a Christian family, my Daddy and Mummy are serving in the church as pastors they trained me since I was young to serve until, I was mature to make my own decision to accept Jesus as King and savior of my life in 2005 at high school, the same year I got baptized. I had a passion of singing since I was between seven to twelve years old, I stated gospel music when I was young in Sunday school.

I have been a worship leader in many church and other Christian groups include, Restoration Church Kacyiru, about 7 years, Revival palace Nyamata 5 years. Christian Youth in Promises (CYP), GBU ULK and many more. I never dream of becoming a gospel artiste as people says but I dreamed to sing in team like worship team or choir, I use to write songs for same of the group mentioned above. I easily connect with God through songs. 

Where did you get an inspiration to do gospel music? 

My parents were very good singers in there time, most of my siblings also use to sing, I cannot tell if that is where the inspiration of doing gospel music comes from,  in short words it is the gift from God as the Bible says 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13. 

When did you start gospel music career and how many songs you have composed so far? 

The passion of singing is like a burning fire in my bones, I am weary of holding it in, indeed I cannot, I tried many time to calm myself not to do so but I can’t, I use to write songs I have a bunch of them on papers, I so far have 4 of them produced and 2 of them out on my Channel Jonas Bagaza - YouTube I had this in my mind for long but I have decided to do a gospel music career in 2020 when I find that it is kind of hard to be in a team, and on the other hand when I find that it is possible to afford it financially. which is a big problem to those who have passion and ability but lack of sustainability. But I can also add that it was God’s right time. 

How is Evangelism in the United States of America? 

Like everywhere else in the United State of America there is people who are strong in serving God and those who really don’t understand, most of the church doesn’t have young generation, you can find only old people. USA used to know God, but they are getting in time of dropping down, but the Bible says 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Daniel 11:32. 

What are your future goals to develop your music career? 

My Goal is to keep worshipping God, keep reaching people, and giving back to God what he has given me. I am willing to work with others who believes in Jesus to spread the gospel through songs. 

What is the main message in your songs? 

Most of the time my songs comes when I am in a good relationship with God in pray, reading the Bible and listening to the preaching or songs. I don’t have a specific message in my songs whatever comes based on the situation I take it and make it bigger. I like thanking God for what he has done for us and I like the blood of Jesus. 

What are the challenges have you encountered so far in the career? 

Of course, challenges are many include doing music in the community, which is not yours, music production are very expensive in terms of time, energy, and money. Sometimes you don’t expect returns or profit, getting a producer who understand you and your heart, promoting our product, and many more.

What can you say about Gospel music industry in Rwanda?

Uwambaye Ikirezi ntamenya ko cyera, this is a Rwandese say that mean, if you have a specific quality, it is hard to recognise yourself, I mean the gospel music industry in Rwanda is really running so first, It was a bit stopped by COVID-19 but it is on the good run, God is rising many young generation who have passion of worshipping and praising Him. I would encourage them to keep it up the rewards are ahead. God bless you all.