Olivier Kavutse

In the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, Olivier Kavutse was left without parents and many members of his family. As a result of neglect, his teenage years were characterized by rebellion. This path led him to face further rejection from family and friends. In February 2003, he encountered Jesus in a high school fellowship and became a Christian. Soon after, Olivier discovered that he had a gift in song writing. The art form became therapeutic, giving him a means to release the anger and bitterness he harboured in light of everything that had happened to him. In this process of healing, God entrusted him with a vision of writing songs that would encourage others who had endured similar experiences. Through his band Beauty For Ashes, his songs took off. They could be heard on the radio, in schools, and in churches across the country. His vision grew. He began writing songs not only for the nation, but for the region, with his vision expanding to the farthest reaches of the world. The impact God made in his life during his teen years left Olivier with a passion for empowering youth. His music reflects that. Drawing inspiration from pop, rock, Afrobeat, and traditional music, Olivier aims to create uplifting music that brings joy and inspires the next generation to lead full and productive lives. Today, Olivier is a pastor based in Vancouver. Together with his wife Amanda, they provide leadership to not-for-profit Beauty For Ashes Rwanda based in Kigali.