Masabo Nyangezi
Masabo Nyangezi is one of Rwanda’s most treasured musical voices—a guitarist, composer, and storyteller whose songs have carried the spirit of a nation for more than four decades. Born in Bufundu, he discovered music as a young student at Kristu Roi College in Nyanza, where his fingers first touched the banjo before moving to the guitar. Under the guidance of Father Robert Werner, he learned solfège and composition, shaping a foundation that would allow him to weave poetry into melody with effortless grace.
From the mid-1960s onward, Masabo began creating music that would become timeless. His catalogue now spans more than 200 songs and over a dozen albums, each carrying his unmistakable warmth, depth, and wisdom. Songs such as Mukamusoni, Kavukire, and Gacupa Keza are more than melodies—they are living memories, passed from one generation to the next.
His artistry did not go unnoticed beyond Rwanda’s borders. In recognition of his cultural contributions, Masabo was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture—an honor reserved for individuals whose work has left a mark on the world’s artistic heritage.
What makes Masabo Nyangezi remarkable is not just his technical mastery, but the humanity in his music. Each note carries an echo of tradition, a pulse of hope, and a reflection of everyday life. He has given voice to love and longing, to joy and sorrow, and to the values that define Rwandan identity.
Today, his songs remain evergreen, sung in homes, gatherings, and hearts across Rwanda and beyond. Masabo Nyangezi is more than a musician; he is a custodian of memory, a master of storytelling, and a bridge between past and future. His work continues to inspire, reminding us that music, at its best, is not only heard—it is felt, carried, and lived.