Traditional singer Christian Mugunga has joined Rwandans to celebrate National Heroes Day as he pays tribute to the heroes through his brand new song ‘Ndate Intwari’. The day, which is celebrated every February 1, was marked for the 28th time under the theme ‘Our Heroes, Our Dignity’. In Rwanda, heroes are recognised based on three categories – Imanzi, Imena, and Ingenzi. Mugunga, as an artiste, said he wanted to honor Rwandan heroes through his music as well as encourage youth to embrace heroism. “Through my new song, I wanted to show my respects to the heroes of our nation and recognise that they didn’t sacrifice their lives for the nation in vain,” he told The New Times in an interview. “I also wanted to encourage the young generation, and every Rwandan in general, to emulate our heroes that embraced heroism and fought for their country,” he added. In the song, Mugunga listed a number of names of the heroes from the three categories and makes a smooth description of their inspiring heroic character that shaped them while alive. From Fred Gisa Rwigema, Mutara III Rudahigwa and Agathe Uwiringiyimana to Felicite Niyitegeka, Michel Rwagasana and Students from Nyange as well as the Unknown Soldier, the artistes managed to celebrate everyone in the song. “These heroes had everything behind them to the extent that they sacrificed their lives to liberate our country. So, as a musician, I was inspired by their actions and composed this song. I celebrate their integrity, sacrifices and the love they showed the country until they died for it,” he said. The song, loosely translated as I celebrate heroes, was recorded and produced by Producer X On the Beat while the video was directed by Olaf Datus. Mugunga is quickly establishing himself in the cultural music industry and has so far released songs like ‘Mbakumbuze u Rwanda’, ‘Inyenyeri’ and ‘Kiberinka’ which have been admired by many, especially thanks to his lyrics and melodies.
