Marie-Jeanne Mukankuranga

Mariya Yohana (Marie-Jeanne Mukankuranga) is a Rwandan traditional singer and songwriter known for her contribution to Rwandan music and songs associated with the country's liberation struggle. Born in the former Kibungo Prefecture, she began composing songs while working as a teacher. Her best-known song, Intsinzi, was composed in 1991 or 1992 and became one of her signature works. She has also encouraged younger musicians to preserve Rwandan culture through music. Quotes On music and culture “Music is my life, not just any music, but traditional Rwandan music that touches our culture and values.” Edmund Kagire, Maria Yohana: Music legend, liberation hero, The EastAfrican, 21 April 2018. On music and the liberation struggle “I was a mother at that time. But I also felt like I had a gun or spears. I didn’t know how to use them, but I would give morale to the soldiers who had left for fighting.” Glory Iribagiza, Mariya Yohana’s journey to become the icon of liberation songs, The New Times, 5 July 2020. “Nobody wants to be a refugee. We always had that dream of coming back home one day and never lost hope.” Edmund Kagire, Maria Yohana: Music legend, liberation hero, The EastAfrican, 21 April 2018. “We fled while we were old enough to see how beautiful our country was, we were sad. So, we felt obliged to teach that to our children.” Glory Iribagiza, Mariya Yohana’s journey to become the icon of liberation songs, The New Times, 5 July 2020. Advice to young musicians “If they can, they should contribute to the development of the country by singing about it and making it known everywhere.” Glory Iribagiza, Mariya Yohana’s journey to become the icon of liberation songs, The New Times, 5 July 2020. “They should sing decent music that is in line with the culture.” Glory Iribagiza, Mariya Yohana’s journey to become the icon of liberation songs, The New Times, 5 July 2020. External links Mariya Yohana’s journey to become the icon of liberation songs — The New Times Maria Yohana: Music legend, liberation hero — The EastAfrican Biography of Mukankuranga Marie Jeanne — Kigali Today Category:Rwandan people Category:Singers