“Till we meet in heaven,” Hundreds celebrate the life of fallen gospel singer Gisele

Gospel singer, Gisele Precious Nsabimana, was laid to rest at the Rugerero cemetery in Rubavu District on Monday, September 19.

Hundreds of people including family, relatives and friends shared messages of condolences and hope.

Despite grief, every believer was filled with hope to see the late Gisele, a true disciple of Jesus Christ, on the ‘morning of resurrection.’

The artiste died in Rubavu hospital on September 15, 2022, leaving behind a one-month baby boy and husband.

Gisele Nsabimana was one of the country’s talented, visionary and creative female artistes who promised a good future in ministry. She joined the gospel music scene as an artiste in 2019 and has ministered in different live performances on invitations of choirs in the country and abroad.

Gisele married Innocent Niyonsaba on 18 December 2021.

She was born in Kigali in 1995 and is the fifth of seven children of Pastor Phillip Nsabimana and Florentine Nyiranzanira.

Nsabimana attended school at Kinunga Primary in Gikondo, from where she joined Nyamata Technical Secondary School, for Computer Electronics studies. She went on to acquire a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from St. Lawrence University in Kampala, Uganda.

Following her death, family and friends on Sunday, September 18 held a memorial service with gospel personalities to honour her life. The event was held at Rubavu-based ADEPR and graced by fellow artistes including Alex Dusabe, Aline Gahongayire, Bosco Nshuti, Elie Bahati, Esther Niyifasha, Precious band, Bethel choir, and Bethlehem choir.

She is said to have lived a life of a true believer, keen to contribute to the Kingdom of God in various ways.

According to testimonies, friendliness, creative thinking, sincerity, humility and preaching the gospel of Christ were what defined Gisele’s life.

Nsabimana, the deceased’s father, testified that Precious was unique in the family. He said that his daughter loved music from an early age and that he made every effort to support her in developing her singing talent.

“We remember her in many ways. She has undertaken various charitable activities. She had true love and was very creative and attentive to others who needed her support. She was very brave and visionary,” he said.

Her husband, Niyonshuti, said: “Gisele was my wife. She was extraordinary. We had a nine-year friendship. She was modest and always careful to avoid anything that might cause misunderstanding between us. She taught me humility and forgiveness. She made me a complete and responsible man. She was a responsible woman. It’s hard not to feel her absence in my life.”

Gisele’s elder sister, Cecile Kankindi, described her life as a blessing to her peers, her parents, the church and the community in general.

Kankindi said she will always remember Gisele’s determination, courage, love, care, prayer life, obedience, and joy.

“Gisele, you taught self-reliance and victory. May your soul rest in peace,” she added.

“Your heart will always be in our memory Gisele. We love you so much and may our Lord keep you resting easy.”