On the eve of Rwanda’s Liberation Day, veteran singer and national icon Mariya Yohana returned to the stage with Inkera y’Abahizi, Komeza Ibirindiro, her long-awaited second album. The launch, held July 3 at Intare Conference Arena, paid tribute to Rwanda’s post-genocide journey and the leadership of President Paul Kagame. The evening honored the courage of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), the rebel force that ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and brought about national liberation. ALSO READ: Mariya Yohana unveils plans to stage annual liberation concert The event gathered veterans of the 1990–1994 liberation struggle, cultural figures, and supporters of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi). It unfolded more as a living history lesson than a typical album launch, weaving music and storytelling into a larger narrative about sacrifice, hope, and national unity. Yohana opened the night with songs like Ubutwari bw’Inkotanyi, Cya Kicaro, a birthday song dedicated to President Kagame, and Komeza Ibirindiro, the album’s title track. ALSO READ: How ideological clarity secured Rwanda’s liberation victory Her performance marked not only a personal return but also a reaffirmation of her role as one of Rwanda’s most important cultural chroniclers. While several high-profile acts including Bruce Melodie, Tom Close, and Knowless Butera were expected to perform, they were unable to attend. Still, the concert delivered surprises. Christopher Muneza, Juno Kizigenza, and Aline Gahongayire took the stage to rousing applause. Alouette Munganyinka, a respected traditional music performer, moved the crowd with Urugendo Rurerure, a song chronicling the trials RPA soldiers endured on the path to victory. Gospel singer Tonzi brought the audience to their feet with Humura, a ballad of faith and resilience. Later, spoken word artist Rumaga performed Umutsindo w’Urugamba, a poem co-created with poetry collective Ibyanzu, which tells the fictionalized but resonant story of a mother reluctant to let her children join the liberation war — until their conviction and clarity of purpose moved her. The narrative mirrors the choices many families made during Rwanda’s darkest years. Mariya Yohana returned to close the evening with a powerful medley alongside Munganyinka, culminating in Intsinzi — her classic anthem of victory. The atmosphere shifted from solemn to celebratory as attendees sang along, many visibly moved. Yohana, now 82, ended the show with a promise: she plans to make the concert an annual tradition. “This concert was a message of gratitude to His Excellency, President Paul Kagame,” she told the crowd. “Loving a leader is not about words. It is about honoring the path he laid out, and protecting what has been built.” She also addressed the country’s youth directly, urging them to remain vigilant and committed to Rwanda’s future. “The President protects us and teaches us. Let’s do the same for this country,” she said. “God gave him to us, and that is a great thing.”
