Kizito Mihigo facts for kids

Kizito Mihigo (born July 25, 1981 – died February 17, 2020) was a famous Rwandan gospel singer, songwriter, and musician. He was also a genocide survivor and worked hard for peace and healing in his country. Kizito believed his music could help people who were hurting. He said his goal was to "console and strengthen wounded hearts, singing peace and forgiveness." In 2010, he started the Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation, a group dedicated to his work.

In 2014, after releasing a song that was seen as critical by the government, Mihigo was arrested. He was accused of planning against the government. In 2015, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was released in 2018 but was arrested again in February 2020 and died in custody a few days later.

Early life and education

Kizito Mihigo was born on July 25, 1981, in Kibeho, Rwanda. He was the third of six children. He started writing songs when he was only nine years old. By the time he was in high school, he was a very popular organist and composer for the Catholic Church in Rwanda.

In 1994, Mihigo lost his parents during the Rwandan genocide. He went to Burundi and later returned to Rwanda. After high school, he decided to study to become a priest. Through his music and faith, he found a way to forgive those who had harmed his family.

Musician

In 2001, Kizito Mihigo helped create the Rwandan national anthem. He then received a special scholarship from the president to study music in Paris, France. There, he learned about organ and composing. After his studies, he began his international music career in Belgium.

In 2011, Kizito Mihigo moved back to Rwanda. He became a well-known artist and was often invited to sing at national events, especially those remembering the genocide. He also performed the national anthem at official ceremonies.

Mihigo's close ties with the government sometimes worried his Christian fans. They were concerned he might be focusing too much on political themes instead of religious ones. However, he reassured his fans that his focus remained on faith. His religious concerts in Kigali and Kibeho were very popular, often attended by many people and even government ministers. His Easter and Christmas concerts in 2011 were especially successful.

Works

Kizito Mihigo composed more than 400 songs over 20 years.

Some of his most popular songs include:

• "Arc en ciel"
• "Twanze gutoberwa amateka"
• "Inuma"
• "Iteme"
• "Urugamba rwo kwibohora"
• "Mon frère congolais"
• "Mwungeri w'intama"
• "Yohani yarabyanditse"
• "Turi abana b'u Rwanda"
• "Igisobanuro cy'urupfu" (meaning: The meaning of death)
• "Umujinya mwiza"

Activism for peace and reconciliation

While living in Europe, Mihigo connected with the Mouvement international de la Réconciliation (MIR). This group works to promote non-violence. In 2007, he organized a special Mass for Peace in Africa in Brussels, Belgium, with their help.

He also regularly held concerts of sacred music for the African Catholic community in Europe. These concerts were often followed by a special Mass to remember victims of violence around the world.

In 2010, Mihigo started the Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation (KMP). This organization works for peace and healing. The next year, he moved back to Rwanda. Working with the Rwandan government, World Vision International, and the U.S. Embassy in Kigali, he visited schools and prisons across Rwanda. In schools, he taught young people about peace and reconciliation. In prisons, he led discussions with inmates about their actions and helped them form "conflict transformation clubs."

After being released from prison, Kizito started a Music Academy. During school breaks, he taught music to primary and secondary students in Kigali. He hoped to create the first School of Music in Rwanda, focusing on sacred music. In 2019, 36 students completed his music training program.

Awards

In August 2011, Kizito Mihigo received a CYRWA award. This award recognized his efforts for peace and was given by the Imbuto foundation, which is led by the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame.

In April 2013, the Kizito Mihigo Peace Foundation was named one of the top ten local non-profit groups promoting good governance in Rwanda. Because of this, the Foundation received the "RGB award" of 8,000,000 Rwandan francs.

Television presenter

From 2012 until his death, Kizito Mihigo hosted a weekly national television show called Umusanzu w'Umuhanzi (meaning: The artist’s contribution). The show was produced by his KMP Foundation. On the program, he talked about his concerts with prisoners and students. Once a month, he also led discussions with religious leaders about how faith can help build peace.

Critical song and arrest

In March 2014, Mihigo released a new song online called "Igisobanuro Cy’urupfu" (meaning: "The Meaning of Death"). This song was seen as questioning the official story of the Rwandan genocide. The Rwandan government quickly banned the song, and it was removed from the internet.

Soon after, on April 7, 2014, Mihigo was reported missing. On April 15, the Rwanda National Police announced his arrest. They accused him of serious crimes, including plotting against the government. Many people believed his arrest was connected to his controversial song. The Rwandan government then banned his songs from being played on local radio and television.

His arrest caused concern among human rights groups and international observers. They worried about freedom of speech in Rwanda. Some international media outlets also commented on the situation, linking his arrest to the lyrics of his song.

Trial and verdict

The trial for Kizito Mihigo began on November 6, 2014, in Kigali. Mihigo pleaded guilty to the charges against him and asked for a lighter sentence. His lawyers, however, argued that there was no evidence of a crime.

The prosecution claimed Mihigo had online conversations with a member of an opposition group. They said these conversations suggested plans to harm government officials. Mihigo admitted to having these conversations but denied any intention to harm anyone. He said he was simply curious.

On February 27, 2015, Mihigo was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was found guilty of plotting against the government. However, he was found not guilty of "conspiracy to commit terrorism" due to a lack of evidence.

After the verdict, many observers and human rights groups criticized the trial. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said the trial was unfair and possibly politically motivated. They also noted that Mihigo was held secretly for several days before his arrest was announced. The European Parliament later called for the release of people detained for expressing their opinions, mentioning Mihigo's case.

In prison

Even in prison, Mihigo continued his work for peace and healing. Reports from fellow prisoners said that he helped bring trust back among some inmates who were divided by ethnic hatred.

Appeal and release

On September 10, 2018, Mihigo decided to drop his appeal against his sentence. Four days later, on September 14, he was released from prison by a special presidential pardon.

Rearrest and death

Kizito Mihigo was arrested again on February 13, 2020, near the border with Burundi. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) stated that he was trying to illegally cross the border. Mihigo died in custody on February 17, 2020.

See also

In Spanish: Kizito Mihigo para niños

• Music of Rwanda
• Faustin Kayumba Nyamwasa
• Human rights in Rwanda
• List of peace activists