On January 31, the City of Kigali held a lively ‘Celebration of Heroes’ concert at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Center (KCEV), offering a spirited occasion for both celebration and reflection, honoring the heroes who have profoundly influenced Rwanda’s history and its journey towards a promising future.
The event, which preceded National Heroes Day on February 1, attracted a diverse crowd, including government officials and numerous enthusiastic youth eager to delve into the stories of heroes and grasp the significance of commemorating them.
The concert showcased performances by various artists, including the Rwanda Defence Force Military Band, Urukerereza (Rwanda’s national ballet), Senderi Hit, Alyn Sano, gakondo singer Esther Niyifasha, and Indatirwabahizi, Kigali’s cultural troupe.
At 7 pm, Urukerereza commenced their performances, captivating the audience with traditional dances that conveyed Rwanda’s core values (‘Ubutore’) and warrior spirit (‘Gumamiriza’). Their energetic display set the stage for subsequent acts.
Following them, the Military Band, comprising young men and women, took center stage, delivering stirring renditions inspired by the battlefield and liberation war, particularly praising the bravery of the ‘Inkotanyi’. Their patriotic fervor resonated deeply with the audience, who showed enthusiastic support for their performance.
Senderi Hit, a seasoned musician, maintained the vibrant atmosphere with his infectious energy and timeless hits, rallying the audience to join in and pay tribute to heroes categorized as ‘Ingenzi’, ‘Imanzi’, and ‘Imena’. He also debuted his latest track, ‘Turate Intwari z’ u Rwanda,’ aligning with the event’s theme of civic engagement and national pride.
Indatirwababizi, the cultural troupe, captivated the audience with their poetic performances celebrating the achievements of Rwanda’s liberators, while children conveyed patriotic messages, underscoring the nation’s progress and urging collective participation in building a brighter future.
Alyn Sano, adorned in white attire, delivered a passionate performance, encouraging youth to demonstrate bravery and contribute to Rwanda’s development. Her songs resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring unity and progress.
As the concert concluded at 10 pm, Urukerereza returned to the stage for a final performance of Umuhamirizo, marking the culmination of the event. Overall, the Celebration of Heroes concert commemorated the 30th anniversary of National Heroes Day with a memorable celebration, setting a precedent for future commemorations.”
