Veteran Musician Ngabonziza Augustin Passes Away

By The Inspirer.

Ngabonziza Augustin, one of Rwanda’s pioneer musicians famed for timeless classics that shaped the country’s music scene over four decades ago, has passed away after a long illness.

Sources confirmed to IGIHE that the legendary artist had been undergoing treatment at the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), where his health had recently deteriorated.

Ngabonziza rose to fame in the early days of modern Rwandan music as a member of Orchestre Les Citadins, a pre-1994 band he co-founded with his elder brother Ngaboyisonga Bernard. The group was among the most influential ensembles of its era, producing songs that continue to resonate with many to this day.

In 2000, he went on to help establish Orchestre Irangira together with fellow musician Nikobisanzwe André Gromyko. The band became a household name in Kigali’s nightlife, performing every Saturday at the popular venue Kwa Lando. However, around 2007, the group disbanded following internal disagreements among its members.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ngabonziza became widely known for hit songs such as “Rugori Rwera,” “Ancilla,” “Have Winsiga,” and several others that solidified his reputation as one of Rwanda’s most iconic and respected musicians.

His passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic Rwandan music who grew up listening to his soulful and poetic compositions.