Kigali Serena Hotel filled to capacity as Rwandan folk music legend Cécile Kayirebwa celebrated her 70th birthday with a music show on Sunday.

Musicians and traditional music lovers of all ages flocked Serena on Sunday evening to pay tribute to the Tarihinda star as she turned 70.

Guests arrived at the venue as early as 5p.m, and patiently waited for the show that was scheduled to begin at 6p.m. Their wait was worth it as Mariya Yohana gave a grand performance amidst loud cheers.

Kayirebwa got a standing ovation after performing songs like, Iwacu, None Twaza, Numukobwa, Ubutumwa, and some from her latest album- Urukumbuzi.

Other performers included acclaimed traditional troupe, Ingazo Ngari which took on stage to give an energetic and beautiful performance, which thrilled the crowd.

The show featured different artistes— who did a rendition of some of her songs. It was a show that evoked fond memories, spontaneous encounters, songs and story–telling.

According to Eric Karengera of Afrogroov that organised the show, the event did not only aim at celebrating Kayirebwa’s birthday, but proceeds went towards support of Ceka I Rwanda community, a cultural lifetime preservation mission.

"The reason why all artistes performed free of charge was to support Ceka I Rwanda to safeguard Rwandan cultural heritage and conserve Rwandan traditional music, poetry and dance,” he told The New Times.

Kayirebwa has been on the music scene for over six decades, and was nominated in this year’s KORA All-Africa Music Awards in the category of Best Traditional Female of Africa.

With a number of high profile performances including the FESTPAD Kigali 1998; Mandela Millennium birthday, South Africa 2000; BBC Holocaust Day London in 2001; Womad in 2003; UN Commemoration New York 2005— among others, Kayirebwa is among the world’s greatest folk artistes, whose music has thrilled audiences and inspired people all over the world.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw