Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr Jean Damascène Bizimana, has highlighted resilience in the face of adversity as one of the most important legacies left by renowned Rwandan singer Nyiranyamibwa Suzanne.
He made the remarks during her funeral ceremony on Saturday, October 24, 2026. A requiem Mass was held at Regina Pacis Parish before she was laid to rest at Rusororo Cemetery.
Dr Bizimana said Nyiranyamibwa belonged to a generation that endured some of Rwanda’s darkest moments. She lost her parents during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi but did not allow the tragedy to define or defeat her.
“Her greatest legacy is resilience. She was not defeated by that history. Instead, she rose above it, taught others and became a role model for us,” he said.
The minister noted that her life demonstrated how people can continue pursuing their passions and upholding human dignity even in the most difficult circumstances, while remaining committed to integrity, courage, compassion and love.
“Suzanne has not truly died; she lives on. We will all make this journey one day. What matters is to walk with dignity and leave behind values such as those she has bequeathed to us,” he said.
As colleagues and fellow musicians gathered to pay their final respects, they described her death as a significant loss to Rwanda’s music industry and pledged to build on her contribution.
Veteran singer Mariya Yohana said the music fraternity had lost both a hero and a friend whose work reflected a deep commitment to Rwanda.
“We have lost our hero and our friend because everything she did was worthwhile, and she did it for Rwanda,” she said.
Nyiranyamibwa died on Friday, October 16, 2026. She was known for numerous popular songs, including those commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, many of which continue to resonate with Rwandans.
Her best-known songs include Telefoni ko ititaba, Nimuberwe bakobwa, Ese mbaze nde, Ndavunyisha, Ibuka, Gira ubuntu, Amahoro and Turaje Rwanda, among many others.
Through her music and the values she upheld, Nyiranyamibwa leaves behind a lasting contribution to Rwanda’s cultural heritage and a legacy of resilience that continues to inspire generations.
