Legendary Kayirebwa thrills folk music lovers

On Easter Sunday at Hotel des Milles Colline by Kempinski, legendary traditional singer Cecile Kayirebwa entertained traditional music lovers during the third edition of Inganzo ya Kayirebwa.

Monday, March 28, 2016
Cecile Kariyebwa is regarded by most as the guardian of Rwandan cultural music. (Julius Bizimungu)

On Easter Sunday at Hôtel des Mille Collines by Kempinski, legendary traditional singer Cecile Kayirebwa entertained traditional music lovers during the third edition of Inganzo ya Kayirebwa.

The show kicked off at 7pm with Kayirebwa performing five songs during the first session, many of which are on her current album.

People kept on their feet as Kayirebwa performed. (Julius Bizimungu)

The show, however, featured different people who did a rendition of some of her songs.

Kayirebwa performed most of her popular songs including Twaza, Impundu, and Sida, to name a few.

The show was well attended. (Julius Bizimungu)

The concert was also partly a launch of her seventh full studio album dubbed Urukumbuzi. It’s the first of its kind as it is being digitally distributed.

The album is comprised of 11 songs including, Inzozi Data Yandoteye, Ubutumwa, Rwagasana, and Amatage, among others.

Everyone was thrilled by Kayirebwa's performance. (Julius Bizimungu)

It follows other albums like Ibihozo, Interuro, Intambwe and Amahoro, among others.

Kayirebwa has been in the industry for 30 years and is regarded by many as an icon and guardian of Rwandan traditional and cultural music.

The annual concert is organised by CEKA I RWANDA, a non-profit organisation aimed to support and safeguard Rwandan culture.

The delight of Kayirebwa's fans was indescribable. (Julius Bizimungu)

Kayirebwa noted that such a concert helps her connect with people and inspire the youth.

"Inganzo ya Kayirebwa is an annual concert; we came up with the idea so that we have a platform where we can connect with people, most especially the young generation, and inspire them to preserve our culture,” she said.

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