Sam Rushimisha was born in Mirimba, DR Congo, but spent his childhood in Rwanda. He is currently based in Dallas, Texas, USA. Sam is renowned for gospel hits like "Shimwa Mwami," "Ntibikingora," "Inshuti nyanshuti," "Nayagaciro," "Ubutunzi," and "Yesu muri njye." After a long hiatus from music, he is back with inspiring energy as he ventures into Christian filmmaking. His debut film, titled "Muri Yesu" ("Ndani ya Yesu pamoja na Yesu," "In and with Jesus," "En y con Jesus Kristo"), is available in four languages: Kinyarwanda, Swahili, English, and Spanish.
In an interview with InyaRwanda, Sam shared his experience diving into evangelism through cinema. He stated that his choice to transition into filmmaking stems from trusting divine guidance. Quoting scripture, he said, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” Sam expressed immense gratitude to God and acknowledged his wife, Soleil Uwase, for being his unwavering pillar of support. Read excerpts from his conversation below:
InyaRwanda: After many years, you’ve returned with significant projects, including a film and an album. How does that make you feel?
Sam Rushimisha: First and foremost, I thank God. Truly, my heart is filled with joyful praise! While these projects haven’t been easy to manage alongside work, family responsibilities, and other obligations, I realized that success comes from dedicating time and effort. Achieving these milestones required finding work-life balance.
Nonetheless, where there’s willingness, God paves the way. As a family, we call ourselves "The Zeal Family" (Shyaka Family), even naming our daughter Zeal Blossom Rushimisha as a testament to the scripture: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
InyaRwanda: Could you tell us about your new album? What’s the title, and what songs does it include?
Sam Rushimisha: The album features nine spiritually inspired tracks, which are: "Your God," "Calvary," "Amaraso yawe Yesu," "Fountain of Life / Isoko imara inyota," "Home with Jesus," "Inshuti nyanshuti," "Jesus is the Way," "Bread of Life," and "Yesu muri njye."
InyaRwanda: What makes the album unique, and who contributed to its creation? What was the process like?
Sam Rushimisha: Its uniqueness lies in being led by the Holy Spirit. We surrendered control, trusting God’s direction and faithfully implementing it. I composed the songs, collaborating with my wife for sound production and visuals. The process required trust, perseverance, and teamwork. I’m grateful to my wife, who shares this calling with me. Together, we aim to deepen our faith and share these works with others.
InyaRwanda: How did filmmaking become part of your creative journey? You were primarily focused on music before.
Sam Rushimisha: It all stems from opening myself to God’s guidance, as reflected in the Bible teaching: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” My daily prayers center on Jesus’ concept of trusting God’s provision: “Give us today our daily bread,” emphasizing being led by the Holy Spirit to accomplish His will.
InyaRwanda: What’s the title of your film and its underlying message? Why should people watch it?
Sam Rushimisha: The film carries titles in four languages: "Muri Yesu," "Ndani ya Yesu pamoja na Yesu," "In and with Jesus," "En y con Jesus Kristo." Its transformative message is best experienced by watching it. I firmly believe viewers will be spiritually impacted.
InyaRwanda: Who acted in the film, and what roles do they play?
Sam Rushimisha: It features Family Sam, John, Sonia, and a few others. To uncover the roles and dynamics, I encourage everyone to watch the film.
InyaRwanda: Will you continue blending music, filmmaking, and evangelism? What’s your ultimate objective?
Sam Rushimisha: With the skills and knowledge God has given us, I plan to continue. This is my first film, but I believe there will be many more to come.
InyaRwanda: What do you aspire to achieve through filmmaking? Do you have inspirations within the industry?
Sam Rushimisha: My primary goal is for audiences to watch the film, share it widely, and be spiritually enriched. As for inspirations, I unapologetically say the Holy Spirit. His diverse ways inspire benefits beyond human understanding.
InyaRwanda: Christian films are not widespread in Rwanda or the region. Is this the moment for change?
Sam Rushimisha: Absolutely! As Martin Luther King Jr. said: “The tragedy is not the cruelty of evil people but the silence of good people.” I’m grateful to everyone helping share this project far and beyond. God rewards good deeds abundantly.
InyaRwanda: What’s your wish for gospel cinema’s progress?
Sam Rushimisha: My prayer is for its growth. Gospel cinema is a powerful tool to spread God’s message, providing truth that liberates humanity.
Sam Rushimisha has made an impact by releasing his first Christian film alongside a spiritually inspired 9-song gospel album.
Soleil Uwase, Sam Rushimisha’s wife, significantly contributed to producing his four-language Christian film.
Sam Rushimisha and his wife are full of gratitude after successfully releasing their milestone project to audiences worldwide.
WATCH SAM RUSHIMISHA’S FIRST FILM IN SWAHILI: NDANI YA YESU PAMOJA NA YESU
WATCH SAM RUSHIMISHA’S FILM IN SPANISH: EN Y CON JESUS CHRISTO / PELICULA
WATCH SAM RUSHIMISHA’S FILM IN KINYARWANDA: MURI YESU FILM SAM NA SOLEIL
WATCH SAM RUSHIMISHA’S FILM IN ENGLISH: IN AND WITH JESUS CHRIST FULL CHRISTIAN MOVIE
LISTEN TO SAM RUSHIMISHA’S NEW SPIRITUALLY INSPIRED 9-SONG ALBUM