At 72, Maria Yohana Mukankuranga is still an energetic singer and songwriter, with an outstanding taste and style. She is widely known for her 1992 liberation song, Intsinzi and has several accolades to her name— Like the Best Traditional Folk Diva 2013 and Mother of Year 2013, among others.

Christian Ituze spoke to the legendary folk singer about the values of women, Rwandan culture and her long journey in music.

Excerpts;

Many people know Maria Yohana, but only a few have had the chance to have a chat with you. Would you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am proudly Rwandan; a singer and songwriter born in 1943. I attended Ecole Primaire Zaza parish for five years since during our times we would sit for the National Exams in Primary five. Then Ecole Save in Butare (current Huye District) for my secondary education and, went back to Zaza Ecole Menagere Post Primaire (EMPP) for the rest of my Secondary education since it was considered a Teachers Training College, then.

What was your first job after finishing school?

I started as a primary school teacher.

When did you realise you were born to be an artiste?

I started singing under my parent’s roof; I used to sing with my father. I also used to sing along with a few friends back at school. Even during my teaching career, I would often teach music to my students.

What motivated you to take on a career in music?

My passion for music was boosted by the liberation front "Kwibohora” back in the 1990’s. I had to contribute to the journey of liberating Rwanda and, I realized that I could do it better by using my talent, which happened to be music. I started to compose and sing motivational songs that would energize our brothers and sisters on the battlefield.

What was your first recorded song?

Intsinzi was my first song to be recorded in the studio. It was recorded in 1992. I was with Indahemuka cultural troupe and we did our best to release a song that would bring both hope and joy for the future, as a motivation that the battle will be won. And to my surprise, it is still being played like it was played before. That’s something any artiste wishes for.

How is your career in music going so far?

Fairly good! I can even say great. There is nothing as great and fulfilling as spending your life doing what you love and are passionate about. In fact, composing for my motherland is my life purpose but mostly composing songs that bring hope and joy. This is a purpose that drives my music career and makes it enjoyable to me.

As an entertainer and a mother, what do you think of respectful dressing for a lady?

Back in the day, women used to cover only breasts and thighs with backcloths and animal skins. Later on, we were exposed to clothes and started to dress our bodies fully. Recently, people have different perspective on how to dress appropriately, but I believe that dressing decently means putting on something that gives you the value you deserve and decency.

According to you, what should be the values of a Rwandan Woman?

Elegance! Rwandan women have always been valued as smart. This includes taking good care of your body and your mind. Respect is equally important. If you are not respectful, you don’t know where you come from as a Rwandan woman.

What do you think should be done for women, mostly the younger generation to stick to those values?

We need more written materials. I think that it is the best way to conserve and pass on Rwandan values to the generations to come. As time passes, the reading culture among Rwandans is improving. We have to make sure that young people are exposed to the traditional readings and things that promote Rwandan values so that they can learn them.

In addition, cultural values should be emphasized in families and parents should get more involved. Itorero is a good solution too.

What do you like mostly, when it comes to Rwandan culture?

Kindness, well being, an open heart and integrity. Those are values that I have always embraced when it comes to Rwandans and Rwandan culture.

Do you ever hangout with family and friends? If so, what is your preferred place?

Not really. You know, at this late age, one does what she has to do and gets some rest. I do not hang out that much.

What do you envision as your legacy before retiring?

All my dreams were realized the day I set foot on my motherland, when the battle was won and we found peace at last.

What have you been working on lately?

Lately, I have been working on a project called- Kubiba. It is project under which I work with the youth who’re eager to sharpen their singing abilities. I teach young people music. Furthermore, I am working on an audio CD release on Genocide remembrance hymns. My goal has been and will always be to provide hope to Rwanda through music.