Reggae icon Pato Banton and his Ubuntu crew, featuring his spouse, Antoinette “Rootsdawtah” Hall, have introduced a compelling documentary film, “The Spirit of Ubuntu.” Launched at Century Cinema Kigali on April 2, 2024, the film explores the essence of humanity through stories from 10 African nations, including Rwanda.
Spanning over an hour, the documentary presents a tapestry of human kindness and initiatives across countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and South Africa. The release coincides with the 30th anniversary of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“The Spirit of Ubuntu” showcases individuals from diverse African backgrounds who are making significant contributions to their communities amidst global conflicts and wars. The film highlights selfless acts and outreach efforts that exemplify the Ubuntu philosophy.
In Rwanda, the narrative focuses on Discovery International School in Kigali, founded by Alpha Akaliza, a Rwandan refugee who returned post-1994 genocide to enhance educational quality for children from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Akaliza expressed her honor in being part of this project and sharing Rwanda’s story with the world.
The documentary also spotlights Ruth Kendegye Ndyabahika, a Ugandan child psychologist and founder of Grace Villa, who champions the rights of marginalized children. In Burundi, the film features Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza, who left his career in the US to establish a health complex aimed at improving services for the country’s vulnerable population.
Highlighting Ghana, the film shares the journey of Patrick Awuah, founder of Ashesi University, who left a position at Microsoft to address the gaps in tertiary education and skills development. In South Africa, the documentary introduces Clint McLean, an Afrikaans known as “the man in a truck,” who embodies the Ubuntu spirit through acts of kindness and compassion.
To further promote the ethos of Ubuntu, Banton has leveraged his musical talents to release thematic songs such as “Ubuntu Now!” and “Prayers For Mama Africa” featuring Mohammed Alidu. The film’s premiere was complemented by performances from a group of award-winning vulnerable children from Ruth Bahika’s Grace Villa in Kabale, Uganda, who participated in the documentary.
