Maria Yohana is Mother of the Year

At 70, she exudes the vivacity of a child, the passion of a teen, the ambition of a youth and the unquestionable love of a mother. One would think Maria Yohana Mukankuranga has fulfilled all she set out to do and reaped all the rewards already.The 70-year-old icon of Rwandan music, proved that she is still an idol—she was crowned the Mother of the Year during the inaugral Mother’s Day dinner gala at Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday.Still energetic and trendy, the accolade was a surprise of a lifetime for Yohana.“I’m extremely happy and feel blessed for this recognition,” Yohana said. “I’m very surprised and I can’t believe that I would be selected and given this huge gift.She said, although she was given an invitation card to the event, she was not expecting a reward, of being the outstanding mother. I would wish to thank all the children and mothers that have paid their tribute to me on such a day,” She said. Soft-spoken Yohana is a cashier at Kimisagara Youth Centre and composer of the famous song, Intsinzi bana b’u Rwanda. She created a riveting, albeit laidback moment for the mothers at the event when she performed her new gospel single, Dushime Imana (Lets thank God).“I want to pay tribute to all mothers in Rwanda, especially those that lost their children—the most painful thing that can happen to a mother—but they persevere and become strong for their other children and the nation at large. I pray for them each day,” Yohana revealed. Other highlights of the evening included awarding prizes to the winners of the Mother‘s Day essay writing competition in different categories, performances from gospel singer Barbra Bennett and a treat to comedy. The first category, which was for children aged seven to 12, had three winners; Nine-year-old Elina Haguma was awarded a ticket for two to fly over the Volcanoes and the Akagera National park courtesy of Akagera Aviation and 12-year-old Louise Bwandinga won a Television set from Nakumatt.In third place was 9-year-old Nicky Karabo who won a phone courtesy of MTN Rwanda. The Adult category Winners includeed;Michaella Rugwizangoga, Mandela Amahoro, Carol Mahoro Mugabo, and Didier Mutabaruka respectively.

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Maria Yohana is Mother of the Year