As Rwanda marks 19 years after liberation, Rwandans and music lovers are in for a great treat, as the country’s music icon Maria Yohana launches her debut album this evening at Kigali Serena hotel in a concert starting 6pm.

Yohana’s 13-track album is titled "Intsinzi, Intego ni Imwe”.

"I would like to invite all Rwandans and friends of Rwanda to come and we celebrate as our country marks 19 years after liberation. I promise great live performances. So don’t miss,” promised Yohana.

The 70-year-old music legend will showcase her songs that she has compiled over a period of 38 years in a live concert. The event will also feature performances by renowned local artistes, such as Mani Martin, Jules Sentore, Patrick Nyamitari and the national cultural troupe Indahemuka, among others.

"We are working around the clock to ensure that this is achieved on the grandest scale possible. Her album will include some of her old songs and the new ones as well,” said one of the artistes who preferred anonymity.

Who is Maria Yohana?

Yohana started her music career while she was teaching in refugee camps in Uganda. She composed songs for the refugee days for the students to sing and was very active in sensitising the youth about who they were and their Rwandan origin.

In 1990 she composed her first song about the struggle called "Inkotanyi z'Amarere” and this was soon followed by the famous ”Intsinzi” that is so loved by all in Rwanda.  

During the Arusha negotiation in 1993 she composed yet another song called "Arusha”. She then helped form the Indahemuka Cultural Troupe.

In 2007, she received the National Liberation Medal given to her by the President of Rwanda and this year she was named ‘Mother of the Year’. 

Born in Kibungo 70 years ago, Yohana continues to be involved in the campaign to teach Rwandan culture to the youth.