The music fraternity has been robbed of a veteran musician August Mwitenawe. Mwitenawe passed away on Wednesday at Ruhengeri Hospital in Musanze district after a long battle with high blood pressure.

The 60-year-old was known for songs such as Wimfatanyan’akazi and Umwari wanze umwarimu, among others.

"He had blood pressure and we received him when he was in a critical condition, he passed away after a while,” said Dr Deogratias Ndekezi, the Director of Ruhengeri Hospital.

According to close family members, the deceased had lived with high blood pressure for a long time.

"We knew he had a problem of blood pressure and every family member was aware of that. It was not until last week when he worsened. We took him to hospital on Wednesday where he died from,” said Ishimwe Jean Claude, a son to the deceased.

Mwitenawe started his music career in 1974 at the age of 19, when his song ‘Umwana w’Ikirara, enjoyed heavy rotation on national radio. He was a member of the then famous Band ‘Les Copains’ before he formed his own Umubano Band with other musicians.

"It is sad news to hear that he passed on. His songs were both educating and entertaining, though he died, his songs will live on and we will keep remembering him through his works,” said Bonaventure Murenzi, one of his fans from Musanze district said.

The deceased will be laid to rest today in Rugera sector, Nyabihu. He is survived by a widow and 5 children.

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