Rwandan poet Murekatete has released a new romantic poem, NIBAGWIRE, exploring the journey of courtship and offering a poetic message of hope to couples seeking lasting love.
Known for works such as Icyanditswe, Arubatse and Kanama k’Imyaka, Murekatete unveiled NIBAGWIRE on Friday, September 11, releasing it in both audio and video formats.
The poem draws inspiration from the journey young men and women undertake as they get to know each other, build relationships and ultimately decide whether to spend their lives together.
In NIBAGWIRE, Murekatete portrays finding true love as a journey whose destination is often unknown at the beginning. Lovers may meet unexpectedly, gradually discover one another and eventually find a partner with whom they hope to build a future.
The poem is characterized by romantic imagery and affectionate praise. In one passage, Murekatete describes the deep admiration one lover has for another, saying:
“Those who compete for my love—I am a queen, and in his heart he has crowned me. Since I found him, there is no one I can compare him to; no one among those I have ever known comes close. He is the vastness I was given, so that I may always pursue happiness.”
Beyond celebrating romance, the poem also acknowledges the challenges that can arise along the way. Murekatete notes that while some couples find genuine love, others face disappointment, difficult experiences or separation before reaching the future they had envisioned.
For the poet, NIBAGWIRE is therefore more than a celebration of romance; it is a prayer for lovers to persevere and ultimately find lasting love.
“The poem NIBAGWIRE is a prayer for lovers. It is a wish that they will not lose their way, but instead reach the destination of true love—and that this becomes their true fulfillment.”
The release comes after Murekatete’s Kanama k’Imyaka, which gained prominence during Rwanda’s Umuganura 2026 celebrations.
Her other notable works include Icyanditswe, a collaboration with Hatungi, and ARUBATSE, which she created with Dr. Nsabi.
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