Thousands of people gathered at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) to honour Rwanda's Heroes as part of the national commemoration, an event that stirred reflection, pride, and a renewed sense of responsibility among the youth.
The concert, held on the eve of Rwanda's 32nd National Heroes Day, brought together music, culture, and patriotism, with performances from Kitoko Bibarwa, Bwiza, the Army Jazz Band, Urukerereza National Ballet, and Indatirwabahizi.
ALSO READ: Heroes Day: Kagame urges Rwandans to uphold unity, truth
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The evening kicked off at 7:00 p.m. with the Indatirwabahizi cultural dance troupe from the City of Kigali. The group--made up of children being nurtured as future custodians of Rwanda's cultural and heroic values--delivered performances conveying messages of bravery, gratitude, and patriotic duty.
At 7:45 p.m., the Urukerereza National Ballet took over the stage with a powerful display, joined by Gakondo singer Ruti Joel and iconic dancers led by Masamba Intore. In a moment that drew loud applause, the performers invited Minister Bizimana on stage to vibe to "Ntimugire Ubwoba" by Masamba Intore and DJ Marnaud.
WATCH: Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Jean Damascène Bizimana joins Urukerereza National Ballet during a performance of "Ntimugire Ubwoba" by Masamba Intore and DJ Marnaud, earning a warm response from the audience. : @FrankNtarindwa1 /TNT pic.twitter.com/SBcGByxqrY-- The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) January 31, 2026
The Army Jazz Band delivers a stirring performance of patriotic and themed songs ahead of the 32nd National Heroes Day on February 1. pic.twitter.com/p1240ADBsi-- The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) January 31, 2026
Singer Kitoko Bibarwa followed at 8:30 p.m., opening with "Isi n'Abantu" before energising the crowd with "Sibyo" and "Akabuto". The atmosphere peaked when he performed "Thank You Kagame (Uri impamo Imana yaduhaye)", a moment that electrified the venue before he handed over to the Army Jazz Band, which delivered a series of patriotic songs in the spirit of Heroes Day.
ALSO READ: Heroes Day: Youth commit to nation-building
The concert closed with Bwiza, who thrilled fans with "Iyo Twicaranye (Remix)", "Ahazaza", "Ready", and other popular hits.
The event preceded the official Heroes Day celebrations on February 1, held under the theme "Heroism and Unity for Rwanda's Development."
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Youth reflect on the meaning of heroism
Many young attendees said such events help them connect emotionally with Rwanda's history and inspire them to become responsible citizens.
Rosine Ishimwe, 24, said celebrating National Heroes Day deepens her sense of national identity and understanding of heroism.
"It adds another layer to their stories and ultimately inspires me to follow in their footsteps," she said. "They demonstrated a high level of heroism and have become a daily lesson for us young people."
Indarwabahizi cultural dance troupe from the City of Kigali is the first group to take the stage. The troupe includes children who are being nurtured and trained to become future champions of the heroic spirit and cultural values. pic.twitter.com/sU3jmPHtWQ-- The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) January 31, 2026
However, Ishimwe stressed that heroism should go beyond entertainment.
"We don't need to treat it as just a leisure moment. We must fully understand it, seek the truth, and engage with the philosophy of heroism regularly. It belongs to us, and we need to be driven with purpose," she said.
Jacques Hakizimfura, 22, who travelled from Gateko (Mu Inzove) to attend the event, said overlooking the sacrifices of national heroes risks disconnecting young people from their values.
"Entertainment is important, but it also teaches us," he said. "We are more connected to heroism than we think. With social media, we can promote our country positively--our achievements, our unity. Anything can remind us of that legacy."
For many in attendance, the Heroes concert was not just a night of music, but a reminder that heroism is not only historical--it can be lived and upheld in everyday life.
