‘Intsinzi bana b’u Rwanda’—Victory song of all time

Most Rwandans identify with the song, ‘Intsinzi bana b’u Rwanda’. This song is chanted repeatedly at any victory, be it in sports, or any other competition, ceremony or school graduation. Intsinzi is Rwanda’s song of all time. The song which was composed by Maria Yohana Mukankuranga and her daughter Late Angelic Garuka was meant to boost morale for the liberation struggle in the 1990’s. “Since we were refugees and stayed in camps, we used to celebrate June 20th, International Day of the Refugees. It was during this day that we composed songs about our motherland and praised its beauty and how we longed to go home,” Maria Yohana says. The 68-year-old adds that the songs inspired children and adults alike who craved to see their motherland thus the liberation struggle in 1990. “While composing a song, it’s important to consider all seasons and age groups,” she discloses. “I composed ‘Intsinzi’ in 1992 with my daughter; the song was a consolation since my two sons had died in the liberation struggle. The lyrics of the song instilled hope, courage and helped Rwandans look forward to victory during the struggle,” Maria Yohana explains. During mobilization events for the Liberation struggle, the ‘Intsinzi’ song played a big role during fundraising events. The song is still significant today. According to McDavis Genza, CEO of Show Time Events, the ‘Intsinzi’ song is awesome since it calls for celebration. “If any Rwandan in the Diaspora listens to the song, they will definitely miss home. It’s a unifying song,” says Genza. The lyrics of the ‘Intsinzi’ song literally call for victory for all Rwandan generations and cuts across all age groups. Andre Rukwirwa, Publisher of Blink Extra, said that more inspirational songs like ‘Intsinzi’ should be composed. “The ‘Intsinzi’ song always cheers up the mood of people at all occasions especially during Liberation Day,” Rukwirwa said. Dorau20@yahoo.co.uk