In a landmark moment for Rwanda’s
music and literary scenes, celebrated gospel artist UWITONZE Clementine, best
known as TONZI, unveiled her debut book, “An Open Jail – When the World
Crucifies You,” during a powerful press conference held on Wednesday, July 30,
2025, in Kigali.
The event, attended by a sea of
media professionals — from gospel journalists and radio presenters to leading
YouTubers and Instagram influencers — marked more than just a book
announcement. It was the public birth of a testimony that TONZI has carried
privately for over 13 years. And she carried it with grace, wisdom, and
unmistakable purpose.
A
Life Told in Pages, A Mission Born from Light
"This book includes my life
story from childhood up to now. The writing journey alone took 13 years. I
didn’t just write it—I lived it, survived it, and finally had the courage to
speak it,” TONZI said, holding a printed copy of the book.
She stood confidently at the podium,
surrounded by television cameras, voice recorders, flashing lenses, and
hundreds of media personalities. Among the audience were her two beautiful
daughters, estimated to be between 9 and 11 years old, who stood proudly beside
her — silent yet powerful symbols of love, support, and the legacy TONZI is
building.
The book’s origin traces back to 2012,
when TONZI heard what she described as a clear divine instruction:
“God told me, ‘Write a book and
title it *An Open Jail – When the World Crucifies You.’”
That moment changed everything. She describes being overwhelmed by light,
losing physical strength, and falling to the ground — not out of fear, but from
the sheer weight of God’s glory and assignment.
Since that encounter, she has poured
her soul into this book, writing through moments of joy, heartbreak, despair,
and healing. “Some chapters made me cry, some made me worship. But all of them
are proof that God’s grace carried me,” she said.
“If God hadn’t intervened,” she
added, “I could’ve ended up addicted, depressed, or institutionalized. But
grace redirected my story.”
UWITONZE Clementine(TONZI) during the Press conference
The
Official Launch – A Night of Healing and Revelation
The official launch of An Open
Jail will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM, at the
prestigious Crown Conference Hall in Nyarutarama.
The evening promises to be more than
a launch — it will be a spiritual experience, featuring a live performance of
her newest single “URUFUNGUZO” (The Key), which she says was birthed alongside
the book.
“This song carries the same spirit as
the book. God gave me both as one message: the jail is open, but many don’t
know they’re free. This is the key.”
Attendees can expect a powerful
atmosphere, live readings, worship moments, and a bold new chapter in Rwandan
gospel history.
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Message for the Silent Struggles of Fame
In An Open Jail, TONZI
doesn’t shy away from heavy themes — depression, betrayal, emotional pain,
rejection, and the invisible battles behind fame.
“This book speaks to people who are
clapped for in public but cry in private. Especially artists, influencers, and
public figures. They wear smiles, but inside, they’re in pain,” she explained.
She refers to this state as an “open
jail” — a life where the doors appear open, but the soul is still imprisoned.
TONZI knows this firsthand, and her book is a lifeline to those who haven’t yet
found the words to describe their pain.
In sharing her truth so openly,
TONZI has redefined the role of the artist in Rwanda. She is now the first
Rwandan music artist to professionally publish a book during her career, not
after retirement or graduation.
“She has set a new standard for what
it means to be an artist,” one journalist commented. “She’s proof that
creativity, healing, and impact don’t wait for degrees — they begin with
courage.”
Many at the press conference
described it as one of the most professionally handled media briefings by a
Rwandan musician, praising TONZI for her clear, heartfelt, and intelligent
communication throughout the session.
UWITONZE Clementine(TONZI) during the Press conference
Healing
Beyond Borders
The book is poised for international
reach. It will be available soon on Amazon, with physical copies distributed
across Rwandan bookstores and libraries. Translation into other languages is
underway, and TONZI’s team is exploring ways to adapt the content into mentoring
and healing programs for youth, women, and creatives.
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Final Message to Creatives Everywhere
“This book is for everyone who’s
smiled while bleeding inside,” TONZI said in closing. “It’s for public figures,
artists, and strong people who are secretly tired. Don’t stay in that jail. God
is offering the key.”
EVENT
DETAILS:
- 📚 Book Title: An Open Jail – When the World
Crucifies You
- 📅 Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025
- 🕠 Time: 5:30 PM
- 🏛️ Venue: Crown Conference Hall, Nyarutarama,
Kigali
- 🎤 Live Music: “URUFUNGUZO” performance by TONZI
- 🛒 Available soon on Amazon and in major libraries
and bookstores across Rwanda
With this release, TONZI is not just
sharing her story — she is inviting the world to confront its hidden pain and
embrace real healing. From gospel stages to global platforms, she is living
proof that faith and vulnerability can change not just lives, but entire
cultures.
“There is freedom beyond the
applause. And yes — God still gives keys to those brave enough to open the
door.”
Written by:
Sibomana Emmanuel
Rwandan Entertainment Journalist & Mental Health Advocate