Singer Mukankuranga Marie Jeanne, popularly known as Mariya Yohana, will be honoured at a concert in October to mark 40 years of her music career.
The concert, scheduled for October 24, 2026, is being organised by Nduwimana Jean Paul, known as Noopja, the head of Country Records, a music production house that works with Mariya Yohana.
The organisers are working with her family and friends to prepare the event, which they say will bring together her longtime fans and younger music lovers.
Noopja called on Mariya Yohana’s fans to attend the concert as a way of recognising the contribution she has made to Rwandan music since beginning her career in 1985.
“We want all those who love this mother to come together at the concert, show her love, tell her that we recognise the good work she has done, sing for her, give her gifts and spend time together,” he said.
He also wants younger musicians and fans to use the occasion to learn from the veteran artist.
“The young people can ask her about the secret she used to remain a loved artist up to today,” Noopja said.
Mariya Yohana is among the Rwandan musicians known for contributing to the development and preservation of traditional music.
Her music has also been associated with Rwanda’s liberation struggle and efforts to stop the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
In her public messages, Mariya Yohana has frequently encouraged young Rwandans to protect the country from genocide ideology, saying the consequences of the genocide should remain a lesson for younger generations.
She has also urged young people to value the country as an important inheritance from their parents and to play their part in protecting it.
The October concert will therefore bring together fans who have followed Mariya Yohana’s music over several decades, alongside younger audiences who organisers hope will use the occasion to learn more about her career and artistic legacy.
