The Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) launched the liberation struggle on October 1, 1990, with the fighting arm of the party, Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) that brought an end to the Genocide that claimed over one million lives.
The New Times looks at some of the liberation songs that were sang before, and during the struggle of liberating Rwanda.
The song was released in 1990 explaining the return of many, who had been denied entry to their home country. It was later used in 1994 when the 600 RPA soldiers accompanied RPF politicians in Kigali.
Intsinzi was written by Mariya Yohana during the liberation war promising triumph to soldiers even before winning. The song was later used on the liberation day and other celebrations in the country.
The song mainly teaches patriotism and humanity. It talks about names of the heads of RPA like Fred Gisa Rwigema, Bayingana and Bunyenyezi, describing how they were selfless.
Intwali zurugamba by RDF Military Band
The song explains the aim and manifesto of RPF. It teaches about the unity and courage of Rwandans to fight corruption and making the economy of Rwanda better.
Maji Maji by RDF Military Band
The song drives whoever is listening to it back to when the liberation started up to the end of the war. The singers describe the role of many top RPA soldiers and where they captured.