Chorale de Kigali (CDK) is preparing to mark 60 years of performing Christian music with a special concert at Camp Kigali on 20 December 2026.
The choir was founded in 1966, four years after Rwanda gained independence, and began its musical journey on 15 August of that year.
The anniversary concert will celebrate six decades of CDK’s contribution to Christian music in Rwanda and its enduring popularity among music lovers, particularly Roman Catholics.
Over the years, Chorale de Kigali has released numerous songs that have become widely known for their vocal arrangements and instrumentation. Popular songs include Indabo za Mariya, Nyagasani Nasingizwe, Twifitiye Umubyeyi, Ndagiwe n’Umushumba Mwiza, Yezu waje kubana natwe, Yezu Kristu Mukiza Wacu, Dusingize Imana, Komeza Intambwe Zanjye and Ni Wowe Rutare Rwanjye.
Other songs associated with CDK include Niba Uhoraho, Tuzabyina Neza, Aravutse Umwana Yezu and Mwana W’iwacu.
Many of the choir’s songs have been performed by other choirs and are regularly used during Catholic Masses.
CDK has also been involved in recording and producing music for decades. Its first album was recorded in 1988, 22 years after the choir was founded, at Kinyamateka Studio at Saint Paul.
The album featured songs that had already gained popularity, particularly among listeners of Radio Rwanda.
The December concert will give CDK and its supporters an opportunity to celebrate the choir’s 60-year journey and reflect on its history, from its founding in 1966 to its continued role in Rwanda’s Catholic music tradition.
