Joyeux-Blaise carries the name NTABAREHA meaning “each person is unique”, and that conviction sits at the heart of his life and ministry. Born in Bujumbura in 1980, his early life was marked by family breakdown. His parents separated when he was just four months old, so he grew up without the assurance of a complete family unit. Yet he speaks without a hint bitterness, giving thanks that God provided love and stability, especially through his mother.
His mum became a Christian when Joyeux Blaise was still a baby, and church life became the atmosphere in which he grew up. At 16, after a heartfelt conversation with her, he gave his life to Jesus. She reminded him that he was unique, created by God for a purpose, and that very moment became a turning point.
From childhood, Joyeux-Blaise was drawn to creativity. He loved drawing and singing, and says that whether he was sad or joyful, songs came naturally to him. After becoming a Christian, his understanding of creativity changed. Art was no longer about becoming famous or building a personal reputation. It became a gift to offer back to God.
That vision eventually became Inganji, a Christian artists’ association founded when Joyeux Blaise was just 23. Inganji brings together musicians, visual artists, filmmakers and other creatives, helping them understand that their gifts are not merely for personal success, but for God’s glory and the transformation of society.
Joyeux Blaise’s leadership grew quietly through years of ministry as a worship leader, youth leader, and more recently as associate pastor at New Beginnings Church. He describes leadership not as a position, but as service, being used by God to build others up. That servant-hearted view also shapes Inganji’s wider ministry, which includes training, festivals, evangelism and humanitarian action. Through art, Inganji reaches vulnerable people, including prisoners, the sick, street connected children, the homeless and those struggling with addiction.
He believes art has a unique power to carry God’s truth into beautiful transformation, especially in when people are facing difficult times. A song, image or performance can reach the heart in ways ordinary speech cannot. So, for him the arts are God-given tools for renewal.
There is also a meaningful joy in his family life, describing home as his “small church”. He is married to his beloved wife, Maima, and they have four children. But is doesn’t stop there – the household also includes his younger sister, two boys whose parents are refugees in Uganda, and his older brother who struggles with mental health. Ten in total under their roof, which he sees as both a challenge and a blessing.
Joyeux-Blaise has become a leader whose strength is not loud or self-promoting. It is rooted in faith, gratitude, humility with a passionate desire to see every gift used for God’s glory.
If you would like to hear more of Joyeux-Blaise’s journey, have a look at this podcast-style interview:
