Irving was raised in a Christian family in Bujumbura, Burundi. At the age of 12, he developed a passion for music and began making new friends that shared his interests. During this season he walked away from his faith and was committed to pursuing fame as a musician. However, three years later his father became very sick and he turned back to God.

When Irving gave his life to God, everything changed. He made new friends and got involved in his church, but he was uncertain about how he could serve God. In 2013, Irving heard about a church plant in Bujumbura and was intrigued by its youth ministry which incorporated the style of music he enjoyed with sound teaching. By connecting with this community, Irving realized that he could use his musical talents and experience in media and cinematography to reach Burundi’s youth for Jesus. 

In 2014, Irving launched a Christian radio station and started hosting events for young people. At that time, Irving learned how to DJ and quickly became one of the most popular DJ’s in the country. The following year, civil unrest ravaged the country. Irving’s radio station was located in one of the most unstable areas of the capital city, but he continued to go to the station every Saturday to play worship music. In the midst of the violence, Irving also worked with the Kuri Beat movement which focused on preaching and playing music in the streets. Hundreds of young people were saved at different informal events.

The momentum of Irving’s previous initiatives led him to take a leadership position at the Pamoja Festival: an event that promotes unity through worship. Irving’s involvement with the Pamoja Festival utilized all of the different skills he had developed (music, media, and film) and he realized that God had been leading him on a clear path. This experience caused Irving to join with a mentor to form an organization which trains artists and empowers them to use their skills for Christ. Irving had also formed a DJ crew and was doing workshops with young artists.

At this point, God spoke clearly to Irving and called him to enter into full-time ministry. Irving had always wanted to pursue a career in media or politics and he was having a tremendous impact with his initiatives, but he felt an unexpected peace after God told him to go in this new direction. So, in 2019 Irving stepped back from many of his media and music-related responsibilities to study theology and serve with his church.

Irving spent a year with little involvement in music or media, but God prompted him to return to these industries by launching another Christian radio station (11Culture) at the beginning of 2020. Today, Irving continues to work at his church, study theology, and utilize media and music to reach Burundi’s youth. He is raising up young artists to use their gifts for God’s glory and he is growing in his knowledge of God. Irving continues to have exciting opportunities, but he regularly prays: "God, you have to go with me or else I’m not going anywhere."

Irving decided to join ALI because he wants to become better at creating platforms that will help young people grow and also make a living with the different gifts that God has given them. He believes ALI will help him instigate a culture of transformation through servant leadership and strategic mentoring programs. He also has a specific interest in Asset-Based Community Development as he works on empowering people in his community.

To learn more the initiatives Irving has been involved in, visit the following links: Pamoja Festival, Ligala Connect Radio Station, Kuri Beat, and 11Culture.

To listen to his songs, visit the following links: Umunara and Rasa.