First Lady Jeannette Kagame and namers pose for a group photo at the 20th edition of Kwita Izina at Kinigi in Musanze on Friday, September 5. All photos by Dan Gatsinzi and Olivier Mugwiza
Thousands of people on Friday, September 5, flocked to Kinigi for the 20th edition of the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina.
The annual conservation festival brought together conservationists, dignitaries, and international guests, with 20 distinguished namers taking part. The event, attended by senior government officials, was graced by First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva.
This flagship conservation celebration, which highlights Rwanda’s commitment to protecting wildlife, saw 40 baby gorillas receive names this year.
Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has been held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District. It reflects Rwanda’s conservation success, where mountain gorillas, once critically endangered, have flourished alongside the socio-economic development of local communities.
This year’s festivities were headlined by local artistes including Bruce Melodie, Mashirika troupe, Eric Senderi a.ka International Hit, Aliel Wayz among others.
The gorilla population in the Virunga Massif, shared by Rwanda, DR Congo, and Uganda, has grown from 880 in 2008 to 1,063 today.
The New Times photographers Dan Gatsinzi and Olivier Mugwiza covered the festival and captured some highlights.
This flagship conservation celebration, which highlights Rwanda’s commitment to protecting wildlife, saw 40 baby gorillas receive names this year.
The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Kwita Izina
Foreign visitors also attended the event.
The main artwork designed at Kinigi where Kwita Izina took place.
A segment at the venue where visitors can learn more about Rwandan culture.
Thousands of attendees during a celebration at Kwita Izina Ceremony in Kinigi in Musanze on Friday, September 5. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza and Dan Gatsinzi
Musanze residents follow the event
Thousands of people on Friday, September 5, flocked to Kinigi for the 20th edition of the Gorilla Naming Ceremony, Kwita Izina.
Eric Senderi during his performance at the ceremony. This year’s festivities were headlined by local artistes including Bruce Melodie, Mashirika troupe, Senderi Hit, among others.
Governor Mugabowagahunde stresses that Kwita Izina is more than a celebration, it is a platform for education.
The event, was attended by senior government officials and visitors from all over the world.
Namers pose for a photo during the 20th celebration of Kwita Izina
The annual celebration, which highlighted Rwanda’s conservation success, saw 40 baby gorillas named by a diverse group of namers, including royalty, global business leaders, conservationists, park rangers, sports icons, and artists, among others.
Traditional troupe entertaining the event.
Bruce Melodie on the stage
Bruce Melodie and his dance perform at the ceremony in Musanze.
Thousands of attendees during a celebration at Kwita Izina Ceremony in Kinigi in Musanze on Friday, September 6. Photos by Olivier Mugwiza
A view of an artwork in Kinigi, where the 20th edition of Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s annual gorilla naming ceremony took place.
Some participants dance at the event
Members of Mashirika group during a performance
The 20th event , saw 40 baby gorillas receive names this year.
Aliel Wayz and her team entertaining the audience at the festival
Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afropop singer Yemi Alade named the baby gorilla ‘Kundwa’, which means Loved.”
Burundian music icon Khadja Nin named a baby gorilla "Garuka.
Lee Ehmke, an accomplished leader in the field of wildlife conservation and management, named a baby gorilla "Shyamba".
Since its inception in 2005, Kwita Izina has been held at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, Musanze District.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva delivers his remarks during the 20th Kwita Izina ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze District on September 5. Courtesy
Renowned Chinese wildlife photographer, Xi Zhinong, named a baby gorilla "Izere".
A creative and philanthropist, Vivienne Ressler, named a baby gorilla "Higa"
First Lady Jeannette Kagame graced Kwita Izina ceremony in Musanze
Ruth Fisher, the President of Pereg Holdings, named a baby gorilla "Nkomoko
Local artistes performing at the ceremony
DJ Ira was among disc players who were on duty at the event
Rwanda’s Somi Kakoma, vocalist, actor, and the first African woman to be nominated in Grammy jazz categories, named a baby gorilla " Iwacu”.
The annual conservation festival brought together conservationists, dignitaries, and international guests
Revelers join Senderi while performing Ibidakwiriye
Youths cheer on artistes during the performance.
A view of Sabyinyo volcano in the park. The Kwita Izina 2025 held at Kinigi
A segment at the venue where visitors can learn more about Rwandan culture.
The festival highlights Rwanda’s commitment to protecting wildlife.
Michelle Yeoh Todt, Oscar-winning actress, producer, and UN Goodwill Ambassador, chose a name "Rwogere" that embodies Rwanda’s global leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, A dedicated student at the Educational Institute for Blind Children in Nyaruguru District, named a baby gorilla "Terimbere."
Bronx Zoo's Susan Chin, named a baby gorilla "Cyerekezo
Arsenal Legend, Bacary Sagna, named a baby gorilla "Amahumbezi".
The gorilla population in the Virunga Massif, shared by Rwanda, DR Congo, and Uganda, has grown from 880 in 2008 to 1,063 today.
First Lady greets namers at the ceremony
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva and the namers pose for a family photo at Kwita Izina ceremony in Kinigi, Musanze District, on Friday, September 5.