Track 1: “Umunezeo” by Cécile Kayirebwa (1986)

In 1986, Cécile Kayirebwa composed one of her most cherished songs, “Umunezero”, translating to “Joy”. Within this captivating track, Kayirebwa tenderly delivers an evocative phrase, echoing throughout the melody with poignant resonance. The rhythmic cadences of Kinyarwanda lyrics eloquently convey Kayirebwa’s deep yearning for her lost homeland. She weaves references to Rwandan cultural traditions, including drums, horn ensembles, and the “poems of the boys”. As she praises Rwanda’s natural beauty, the song’s fervor intensifies, enriched by the fusion of modern drums and the strumming of an electric guitar.

“Umunezero” has sustained remarkable popularity in Rwanda, earning the title of “our unofficial national anthem” among Kayirebwa’s devoted fans. During a live performance of the song in Kigali, in 2015, the atmosphere in the hall surged with excitement. Friends in the audience exchanged glances, their faces lit up with pride and familiarity. The crowd erupted with cheers, whistles, and rhythmic clapping, eagerly singing along with the lyrics. Kayirebwa, with widened eyes and a radiant smile, delivered expressive gestures with her hands, captivating the audience with her heartfelt performance. As the song progressed, women and men began to turn towards each other, gracefully raising their arms and swaying to the music. Emboldened members of the audience rose from their seats, joyfully dancing down the aisles, converging in front of the stage to honor their “Rwandan queen”.

During the civil war, Mariya Yohana composed her most renowned and overtly political song, “Intsinzi,” which translates to “Victory”. The lyrics aimed to reinforce RPF ideology, portraying Rwanda as a “nation of a united trio” – referencing the country’s three ethnic groups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. Despite its unifying message, “Intsinzi” unmistakably served as a partisan military anthem, effectively bolstering the morale of RPF soldiers. Yohana’s lyrics foresaw the eventual victory of the RPF and inspired her comrades to persevere. The song’s melody is simple and memorable, characterized by short, repetitive lines that allow for easy adaptation with additional lyrics. Indeed, verses four and five showcase post-genocide era additions.

The lyrics provided were excerpted from a privately-organized pop concert held in Kigali in 2014, coinciding with Liberation Day, a national holiday celebrating RPF heroes from the Liberation War. As long as the RPF maintains its hold on power in Rwanda, “Intsinzi” remains a vital nationalist anthem, utilized both by the government and as a means to demonstrate allegiance and loyalty. Quoting the words of a Yohana fan:

“‘Intsinzi’ is that song that is played everywhere! If Rwanda win against another [sports] team they play that song. If President win election, they play it. Anything that happens on a government basis and is successful, you know? And to me that song will stay forever and ever.” 

“Humura Rwanda”, translating to “Don’t Worry Rwanda”, was recorded  in 1995, just one year after the genocide. In this uplifting song, Kamaliza embodies the idealized persona of the RPF, portraying it as a benevolent force for unity and progress. “Don’t worry beautiful Rwanda”, she sings: “I bring you love/Source of unity and peace/The unity of three”. In the aftermath of the genocide, the song became a staple on Radio Rwanda, the country’s sole state-owned radio station at the time.

In 1998, Cécile Kayirebwa marked her return to Rwanda with the release of "Iwacu," translating to "Homeland," featured on her renowned "Amahoro" ("Peace") album. This poignant song captures the essence of Kigali's streets, as beautifully described by spoken word artist Eric 1Key, who sampled it in his own 2015 album "Entre 2."

Many of Rwanda’s contemporary artists, born around the time of the genocide, reject being solely defined by it – a sentiment articulated by Malaika Uwamahoro in her spoken-word poem, “Rwanda is  NOT Hotel Rwanda!!!” (2013) Uwamahoro, born in Rwanda in 1990 - the year the civil war began – was given the name Angel Uwamahoro by her mother, symbolizing ‘Angel of Peace’. Seeking an “authentically African name,” she later adopted Malaika, meaning peace in Kiswahili. Spending her formative years in Uganda before relocating to the United States, Uwamahoro eventually returned to Kigali at the age of 11.

As an aspiring actor, Uwamahoro embarked on international tours with the Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company. Recognized for her talent, she was awarded the Rwandan Presidential Scholarship for excellence in performance arts, captivating the First Lady with her spoken word. This led her to pursue a BA in Theater at Fordham University, New York. Over the years, Uwamahoro has proudly represented Rwanda at numerous state gatherings, including the African Union Summit 2006 held in Kigali.

When composing her poem in 2013, Uwamahoro appeared to have an English-speaking international audience in mind: “We are united back home- /Where I come from”, she declares with conviction. Countering the prevailing image of Rwanda associated with violence, she presents the ‘New Rwanda’ as she and others perceive it. Her verses echo the sentiments of many Rwandans today, who, while acknowledging the deep wounds of the past, are resolutely focused on the future. Her lyrics resonate with themes of “hope, resilience, and ambition,” “forgiveness, unity and peace,” as well as the ideals of beauty, perseverance, progress, and agaciro – a cultural concept tied to self-respect, dignity and patriotism.

Teta Diana consciously modelled her voice and lyrics after the late Kamaliza’s. She embarked on her musical journey by performing Kamaliza covers with the Gakondo Group. Under the mentorship of the group’s leader, Massamba Intore, Diana composed and performed “Ndaje” at Kwibuka 20, the 20^th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in 2014. The song’s resounding message of unity, reconciliation and hope mirrors the official RPF narrative and echoes the themes of the exile songs previously discussed.

In recognition of her impactful performance at Kwibuka 20, Diana was honored with the Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers Award (CYRWA) by the First Lady Jeanette Kagame. She has performed at several prestigious events, including accompanying President Kagame to Amsterdam in 2015, where she performed at ‘Rwanda Day.’ Continuing to proudly represent her nation, in 2016, she sang “Ndaje” at the UN summit in Kigali.