On 22 October 2026, Mme Cécile Kayirebwa marked her 80th year, eight decades of life, memory and 60 years of music. Now settled in Kigali and enjoying a well-deserved rest surrounded by family and friends, Mama Cécile continues to cherish what's closest to her heart: music, people, and community. Among her favourite traditions is Igitaramo, the quintessential Rwandan evening of togetherness, where stories, songs, poetry, dance and laughter bring people together.
On 25 October, the Hôtel des Mille Collines hosted a special Igitaramo in honour of one of Rwanda’s most cherished musical voices. Among the artists who came to celebrate her life and legacy was Eric 1 Key, a prominent multidisciplinary artist on the Rwandan scene; here he shares his reflections on an evening filled with music and emotion.
Kirena, Numukobwa, Isimbi, Cyusa, Grandma Tate and Mama Cecile
Inganzo ya Kayirebwa: An Evening of Love for a Living Legend By Eric 1Key
For 60 years, Cécile Kayirebwa has carried Rwandan music to stages around the world. She is one of our true icons, and Inganzo ya Kayirebwa celebrates her music. It's a rare kind of tribute: Kayirebwa sits back and watches younger generations bring her songs to life in their own way. It's legacy you can actually see happening.
Cultural custodian & IMITARI founding member Muyango with Ange
4 Generations Of Rwandan Women: Kayirebwa's auntie Taté MUKANKUSI, IMITARI founding member Faina Numukobwa, ISAMAZA founding member Francoise Ruboneka, Alouette, Ange na Pamella
I first received an invitation in 2015, and I had the honour of performing my poetic rendition of Iwacu, a song I had sampled on my debut album, Entre 2. She liked what I brought to it, and I've been a regular at these evenings ever since.
This year was special. Kayirebwa turned 80, and friends, family and artists gathered at Hôtel des Mille Collines to honour her.
The testimonies were the heart of the night: stories of true friendship, companionship, decades of mutual support, and even a few confessions of old crushes. Mzee Tito took his time telling us just how much he had fancied Cécile, cousins or not. The room was in stitches. He ended by giving her a cow, which in Rwanda is the highest expression of love and admiration.
Senator Dr. Tito Rutaremara
The evening was a beautifully curated mix of dinner and music. Between performances, relatives from around the world appeared on video, sending lovely words to their favourite person from miles away.
There was plenty to celebrate beyond the music, too. We heard about the work Ceka I Rwanda, her non-profit organisation, has been doing behind the scenes. Her book, Les Chansons de Cécile Kayirebwa, was launched on the night and is out now on Izuba Éditions.
INYAMIBWA Cultural Troupe
Kesha, Isis & Kaze Diaura
INTORE Dancers
Then came a glimpse of her documentary, still a work in progress. Imagine trying to fit 80 years of a life well lived and 60 years of music into one film! The two-minute sizzle reel offered an intimate moment: Kayirebwa at the table with her whole family, her parents, children and grandchildren, sharing a meal and stories.
One question got the best reactions: "When did you realise your grandma was famous?" Eyes went wide, jaws dropped, and out came little gems that showed what an icon Kayirebwa truly is, even to the people who know her simply as family. Judging by those two minutes, the film will be well worth the wait.
Author & Comedian Diogène Ntarindwa aka Atome
Hon Minister Olivier Nduhungirihe
By the end of the night, it was all smiles, hugs and dancing, guests and hosts together. Big credit to the organisers for an evening that felt warm, personal and perfectly put together.
Mama Cecile with Abakobwa INYAMIBWA Cultural Troupe
Long live Kayirebwa. Here's to many more evenings of Inganzo, surrounded by love.
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