It is surprising that some children cannot sing the national anthem. Today is the day for you to learn the national anthem and its meaning.

The Rwandan national anthem is called ‘Rwanda Nziza’. It replaced Rwanda Rwacu, which was the national anthem since 1962. The anthem is made up of four stanzas which talk about heroism, the Rwandan culture and people’s patriotism.

The words are written by Faustin Murigo of Karubanda prison in Huye District in the southern Province. The tune was composed by Captain Jean-Bosco Hashakaimana of the Rwandan Army Brass Band.

The first stanza in Kinyarwanda
Rwanda nziza gihugu cyacu
Wuje imisozi, ibiyaga n’ibirunga
Ngobyi iduhetse gahorane ishya.
Rekatukurate tukuvuge ibigwi
Wowe utubumbiye hamwe twese
Abanyarwanda uko watubyaye
Berwa, sugira, singizwa iteka.

English Translation
Rwanda, our beautiful and dear country
Adorned of hills, lakes and volcanoes
Motherland, would be always filled of happiness
Us all your children: Abanyarwanda
Let us sing your glare and proclaim your high facts
You, maternal bosom of us all
Would be admired forever, prosperous and
 cover of praises.

Ends