Veteran musician Timothée Ngombwa, known for his patriotic songs that carry deep historical meaning, has passed away at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by his relative, Theodore Taratibu, who said he died on the night of Friday, March 20. Ngombwa was one of the most important figures in Rwanda’s patriotic and historical music. He is said to have composed more than 100 songs. Some of his most famous compositions include “Ziravumera”, which was later recorded by Massamba Intore, and “Ziganje amarembo”. Both songs became symbols of hope and resistance during difficult times especially liberation struggle. ALSO READ: Liberation songs in review: Hope, nostalgia, courage and triumph He composed “Ziravumera” in 1993 while living in Uganda during the liberation struggle. The song was later performed by Massamba Intore. Beyond his own music, the Gakondo activist played a big role in supporting and guiding younger artists. He mentored talents such as Teta Diana and Cyusa cy’Ingenzi. His influence helped shape a new generation of Rwandan musicians. Ngombwa was born in Ndorwa, where his father worked during the reign of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, in what was then Byumba territory, now in Gicumbi District. In 1960, his family moved to Kicukiro. Soon after, they forced into exile in Uganda for four years, before moving again to Tanzania and Burundi. Like many Rwandans in exile, they eventually returned home after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. His love for music started early. Ngombwa began singing and composing at a young age. In recent years, he recorded several songs, including “Mpugutse Mpambawe” ft. Cyusa cy’Ingenzi. Ngombwa was part of a wider cultural movement among Rwandans in exile. In the 1980s, many Rwandan communities in countries like Burundi, Uganda, and Belgium used music and dance to keep their identity alive. Cultural groups such as Isamaza, Muyango n’Imitali, and Amarebe n’Imena, spread messages of patriotism and hope. These groups created songs that described the beauty of Rwanda, particularly its hills, rivers, and people. Songs like “Kigali uteye neza”, “Nyaruguru”, and “Uraho Rwanda yacu” made young people in exile imagine what life would be like back home. Other songs like “Turaje”, “Iya mbere Ukwakira”, “Ziravumera”, and “Intsinzi” gave them hope that one day they would return. This music played an important role in the liberation struggle. Some songs were used to raise funds, while others were sung by soldiers to boost morale on the frontlines. Ngombwa himself was part of this history. In a 2022 interview with a local newspaper, he said he had taken part in earlier efforts by refugees to return home, and believed that later fighters learned from those experiences. He explained how young people grew up hearing these songs and stories, which inspired them to join the struggle. Many of them had never even seen Rwanda but still felt a strong connection to it. ALSO READ: Tracing our roots through culture Ngombwa’s journey also took him through different countries. After leaving Uganda, he lived in Burundi, where he joined a music group called Indashyikirwa in 1973. Later, while studying in Kinshasa, he formed another group called Ishyaka in 1976. Through music, he encouraged Rwandans abroad to keep their identity and not forget their roots. He later joined Indahemuka alongside other well-known artists who contributed to the liberation struggle through music. Ngombwa believed strongly in the importance of culture. He said that for Rwandans to build a lasting country, “they must protect their culture, as it shapes their values and identity.”
