Rwanda’s popular recording studio, Country Records, announced the death of one of its long-time employee, Jean Claude Niyonkuru known as "Kinyoni”.

Kinyoni passed away on the night of November 17. He was the brother of Jean Paul Nduwimana (Noopja), the owner and founder of Country Records and was the fifth of seven children.

The announcement of his death was released in a statement published by Country Records, it shows that he died due to unmentioned illness at Nyarugenge Hospital.

The statement says: "it is with a great sadness and grief that the Country Records family regrets to announce the passing of our brother Jean Claude Niyonkuru (Kinyoni).

"His death happened in the night of November 17, at Nyarugenge hospital in Kigali” the statement continues.

Niyonkuru (Kinyoni) has been instrumental in writing many of the songs that were released by Country Records, although not all of them were popular.

His credits include The Ben's Kola, Emmy's Dokima and many others.Many Rwandan celebrities including, Bruce Melodie, Juno Kizigenza, Juior Giti posted messages bidding him farewell on their social medias.