Rwandan musician Kitoko Bibarwa is mourning the death of his father, who died on the night of July 26 after a period of illness.
His father had been receiving treatment at King Faisal Hospital, where the singer had spent recent weeks caring for him until his passing.
Kitoko, who returned to Rwanda in November 2025 after several years in the United Kingdom, had largely stepped back from public engagements to be with his ailing father.
One of Rwanda’s most recognizable recording artists, Kitoko rose to fame in the late 2000s with a string of hit songs that established him as a leading figure in the country’s music industry. His best-known tracks include Rurabo, Ikiragi, Agakecuru, Mama, Thank You Kagame, and Sibyo, a collaboration with fellow Rwandan artist Meddy.
Over the years, Kitoko has built a loyal fan base both in Rwanda and among the Rwandan diaspora, earning recognition for his blend of Afro-pop and contemporary Rwandan music.
Messages of condolence from fans and fellow artists began circulating on social media following news of his father’s death.
Funeral and burial arrangements had not been announced at the time of publication.
