Nyiranyamibwa died on the morning of Friday, October 16, 2026, according to information obtained by IGIHE.
In a statement, her family expressed grief over her sudden death and said arrangements for her funeral and burial would be announced in the coming hours.
The cause of her death had not been established by the time of publication.
Nyiranyamibwa was a prominent figure in Rwanda’s traditional music scene, known for songs including Telefone ko ititaba and Ni muberwe bakobwa .
She was also among the founders of Itorero Isamaza, a cultural troupe known for songs that helped rally support for Rwanda’s liberation struggle.
Her life was shaped by years in exile. In 1973, she left Rwanda for the Democratic Republic of Congo after facing persecution against the Tutsi. She later moved to Belgium, where she spent part of her life abroad.
Despite her long stay outside Rwanda, Nyiranyamibwa maintained a strong attachment to her homeland. She eventually returned to Rwanda, expressing a desire to spend her final years in the country.
She was one of nine children in her family and had four children. Her husband died while the family was in exile in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nyiranyamibwa also contributed to music commemorating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her song Ese mbaze nde? reflects the grief caused by the Genocide and its lasting impact on Rwandans.
Her death marks the loss of a veteran artist who contributed to preserving Rwanda’s traditional music and cultural heritage.
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