Rwanda
Rwanda Nziza
Beautiful Rwanda
2001
2002
Faustin Murigo
Jean-Bosco Hashakaimana
🤝 Unity 🌿 Nature 🌅 Hope 💪 Resilience |
Context
Adopted in 2002, replacing the previous anthem that had been in use since independence in 1962. The new anthem was chosen as part of the national reconciliation process following the 1994 genocide. A national competition was held to select new national symbols that would promote unity.
Lyrics
Rwanda nziza Gihugu cyacu
Wuje imisozi, ibiyaga n'ibirunga
Ngobyi iduhetse gahorane ishya.
Reka tukurate tukuvuge ibigwi
Wowe utubumbiye hamwe twese
Abanyarwanda uko watubyaye
Berwa, b## Sugira, singizwa iteka.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Replaced the former anthem 'Rwanda Rwacu' as part of post-genocide national healing and reconciliation efforts
- • The lyrics deliberately avoid ethnic references, focusing instead on shared landscape and unity
- • Rwanda is known as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills,' reflected in the anthem's imagery of hills, lakes, and volcanoes