Hundreds turned up over the weekend for famous Rwandan songstress Cecile Kayirebwa’s concert in Edmonton, Canada. The event dubbed Hope Day, was organized by the Memory Keepers Association to coincide with the end of 100 day morning period marked every year to commemorate the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. According to Seth Muhima Rubarake, president of Hope Day, it was the second time the event was held It brings together Rwandans – survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in particular – to celebrate the light at the end of the tunnel survivors saw at the end of the Genocide. The occasion is also used to raise funds to support those still suffering from the consequences of the Genocide. “This is a very significant motivation for us to keep making Rwanda shine making a difference in the lives of many,” said Rubarake . Many members of the Rwandan Community in Calgary, Edmonton and surrounding attended the event which was presided over by Bill Smith, former Mayor of Edmonton and is currently Rwanda’s Honorary Council in Alberta. The internationally renown Kayirebwa is considered is one of the key figures in Rwandan and has a wide following spanning many decades. She walked the audience through some of her famous songs and had many people on their feet. Other Rwandan artistes who performed included Daddy Cassanova, Musoni Evariste, Rwibutso Yves as well as Imena and Utunyange cultural troupes.
