Veteran Rwandan Musician Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa dies

Veteran Rwandan singer Suzanne Nyiranyamibwa, renowned for her traditional music, patriotic songs and moving compositions commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, has died at 81.

Nyiranyamibwa died on Friday, October 16, 2026, following an illness, according to reports.

She leaves behind a musical legacy that spans generations, with songs including Ese Mbaze Nde, Ndavunyisha, Nkumbuye Iwacu, Nimuberwe Bakobwa, Ituze and Telefone.

One of her most enduring works, Ese Mbaze Nde, became an important song of remembrance, expressing the grief, loss and trauma experienced by survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The song emerged from her painful memories of the atrocities and was released in 1996.

Rather than viewing the song simply as a musical composition, Nyiranyamibwa explained that its words reflected what she had witnessed and the profound sorrow she carried.

Her remembrance songs helped preserve painful memories while encouraging survivors and other Rwandans to continue rebuilding their lives.

Born into a life shaped by Rwanda’s history, Nyiranyamibwa left the country in 1973, fleeing persecution and violence against Tutsi.

She initially lived in the Democratic Republic of Congo before moving to Belgium, where she became involved in cultural activities among Rwandans in exile.

She was among the founders of Itorero Isamaza, a cultural troupe established in Belgium approximately 35 years ago.

The group initially brought together women and young women through dance and cultural performances, while helping mobilise support for the Rwandan Patriotic Army during its struggle to liberate the country.

After more than four decades abroad, Nyiranyamibwa returned to settle in Rwanda in December 2016.

Her return marked a new chapter in a life closely connected to the country’s cultural identity, national history and recovery.

Beyond her contribution to patriotic music, she continued to speak about love, unity and responsibility towards the country.

In a 2024 gathering involving artists and government representatives, she encouraged young people to put humanity before personal interests, arguing that genuine love is demonstrated through caring for others.

Her influence has also endured among younger musicians.

In 2025, singer Ruti Joël revisited Ese Mbaze Nde, for the Genocide remembrance period, explaining that he regarded the song as a powerful account of the tragedy and its consequences.