Just one day before Rwanda’s Liberation Day on July 4, veteran artist Mariya Yohana will release her second album, Inkera y’Abahizi, Komeza Ibirindiro. The project celebrates the leadership of President Paul Kagame following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and pays tribute to the bravery of the Inkotanyi fighters who helped liberate the country. Known formally as Marie-Jeanne Mukankuranga, Yohana uses her music to reflect on the legacy of Kagame and what she describes as the spirit of Ubukotanyi — the essence of someone who fully embodies the values and resolve of the Inkotanyi. In her lyrics, the line between Kagame’s identity and that of the broader movement becomes a poetic thread she continues to explore. ALSO READ: Mariya Yohana’s journey to become the icon of liberation songs The Intsinzi singer, now 82, is one of Rwanda’s oldest active artists and has long used her music as a tool for civic expression. She is particularly known for her Kwibuka songs, performed during the annual Genocide commemoration period, and other works that echo national policy and development themes. “Inkera y’Abahizi means a celebration for heroes, the Inkotanyi, who gave us back our country,” she said. “Komeza Ibirindiro is a song dedicated to President Paul Kagame. He has protected and led this country from day one. Even the attacks against him haven’t succeeded. May he continue to stay strong and healthy.” The new album features six tracks so far, combining fresh compositions with some of her most recognized songs. The number of tracks may grow to eight or even twelve as production continues. The album is produced by Real Beat, and several of Rwanda’s top musicians — including Bruce Melodie, Tom Close, Butera Knowless, Rumaga, and Tonzi — are set to join Yohana for the launch concert. ALSO READ: Art is more than entertainment, say artists in new ‘30 for 30’ series Mariya Yohana’s connection to Rwanda’s liberation runs deeper than most might realize. Long before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, she was already deeply engaged with the cause. She recalls life in exile during the early 1990s, when thousands of Rwandans were living in displacement, facing hardship, uncertainty, and a collective yearning to return home. “We didn’t go to the battlefield, but we were there in spirit,” she said. “We sang to give morale to the young men who were fighting. It was our way of supporting them from afar. We were refugees with no land, no proper jobs, grinding food with no skill, but we learned. We adapted.” That adaptation, she says, went beyond daily survival. It meant becoming part of a wider national cause, contributing in the way she knew best: through music and words of encouragement. “Some of the young men who joined the Inkotanyi were younger than us, and their bravery influenced us. It was determination, pure and simple.” When she speaks about the Inkotanyi, the former rebels who led Rwanda’s liberation and post-genocide recovery, Yohana does so with reverence. “They gave up everything to liberate the country. Some were under 18, others in their twenties or thirties. They were just different. It’s hard to describe.” For her, the journey of the Inkotanyi is inseparable from Rwanda’s story. She sees their legacy as not just historical, but alive and active in the present. “The Ubukotanyi they had is still alive. It never faded. Inkotanyi remain powerful examples and life lessons for young people who didn’t witness that time.” Now 82, Yohana acknowledges that both she and the fighters she once supported have grown older. But she believes their legacy remains in good hands. “Some of them are older now, and we, who supported them with morale and belief, have also grown old. But you, the younger generation, have seen their journey, walked in their footsteps, and can now carry that legacy forward. They were role models, their lives are lessons to be learned, and through God’s help, they triumphed. Their example still guides Rwanda today.” Surviving, rebuilding, and moving forward “It was really bad. Some parents returned with no children. Many came back with only grandchildren,” Mariya Yohana said, recalling the difficult years that followed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “But seeing survivors gave us the strength to adapt, move forward, and make the pain part of our history.” That resilience continues to shape both her music and her message. “We chose to carry it with strong hearts,” she said. She is encouraged by today’s generation of Rwandan artists, many of whom are blending traditional Gakondo sounds with modern genres while also using their platforms to contribute to remembrance. “This generation is doing better. They’re responsible. They are learning about our history and composing songs for Kwibuka,” she said. Yohana urges young people to look to the leaders of Rwanda’s liberation for inspiration. “Start with President Kagame. He wasn’t old. He was young and determined. He loves Rwanda deeply. Follow his example. Our country is small but rapidly developing. Let’s keep pace.” Her album launch concert will take place on July 3, starting at 4 p.m. and running until midnight. Tickets are priced at Rwf10,000 for general entry, Rwf45,000 for VIP access, and Rwf1,000,000 for a table of six. This marks Yohana’s second studio album, following her 2014 release Intsinzi Intego ni Imwe.
