Musanze, Rwanda — The foothills of the Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi were alive with colour, music, and cultural pride on Friday as thousands gathered for the 20th edition of Rwanda’s world-famous Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony.
The event, which celebrates the naming of newborn mountain gorillas, drew residents from Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts, along with global celebrities, conservation champions, high-level dignitaries, and government leaders.
This year, 40 baby gorillas received names in a spectacular ceremony that blended conservation awareness, cultural performances, and heartfelt tributes to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas and the communities dedicated to their protection.
Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva, presiding over the ceremony, praised both the international guests and the local communities for their roles in safeguarding Rwanda’s natural heritage.
“Our distinguished namers, thank you for bestowing meaningful names upon these baby gorillas. To our local communities, thank you for being true champions of conservation,” Dr. Nsengiyumva said.
First Lady Jeannette Kagame also graced the event, highlighting its growing global significance and its role in uniting communities around conservation and tourism.
Stars, Royalty, and Conservationists Unite for the Gorillas
The star-studded line-up included Arsenal football legends Bacary Sagna and Mathieu Flamini, Nigerian Afrobeat star Yemi Alade, Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay, global conservation leaders, philanthropists, and royalty.
Arsenal legend Bacary Sagna, after naming his baby gorilla Amahumbezi, said: “I’m a proud African, I’m Senegalese, but today, more than ever, I feel Rwandan.”
His former teammate Mathieu Flamini, who named a baby gorilla Rubuga, added: “People of Rwanda, you are a real inspiration to many people around the world.”
From Music to Movies: Emotional Tributes Flow
Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, visibly moved after naming her gorilla Kundwa, shared her experience trekking through the forest to meet the baby:
“We went through steep, rocky terrain, almost crawling on our hands and knees, dodging stinging nettles. But the minute I laid eyes on her, it was love at first sight! In this life, you deserve to see with your eyes the things you only read about.”
Hollywood director Michael Bay, who named his baby gorilla Umurage, promised to give Rwanda’s conservation efforts a cinematic spotlight: “As a movie director, I am going to make him a famous gorilla movie star.”
Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, named Rwogere, said: “May her name embody Rwanda’s global recognition for extraordinary leadership and environmental stewardship.”
Global Leaders and Philanthropists Join Hands
His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin, the Prince of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, named a baby gorilla Ntarungu, saying: “The success here in Rwanda gives me hope for conservation efforts in my own country, Malaysia.”
Princess Ingeborg of Germany, naming Burere, praised the community spirit driving Rwanda’s conservation success, while David Marriott, Chairman of Marriott International, dedicated his baby gorilla Rugwiro, to future generations:
“Let his name symbolise our shared promise to protect, to serve, and to pass on a thriving planet.”
From Africa, Burundian music legend Khadja Nin, named Garuka, shared: “I was born and raised in Burundi, but today I have chosen Rwanda as my forever home.”
Local Heroes and Youth Honoured
Not all namers were global stars. Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, a student at the Educational Institute for Blind Children in Nyaruguru District, moved the audience after naming his gorilla Terimbere: “Disability cannot limit our dreams,” he said to resounding applause.
Senior Ranger Claver Ntoyinkima of Nyungwe National Park, named Nyunganizi, represents Rwanda’s dedicated conservation workers on the frontlines of protecting endangered species.
20 Years of Conservation Success
Over the past two decades, Kwita Izina has grown into a global conservation symbol, with Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population rebounding from near extinction. Communities surrounding Volcanoes National Park benefit through tourism revenue-sharing, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development—making them vital partners in conservation.
Senegalese-Italian social media star Khaby Lame, naming his gorilla Ogera virtually, summed up the excitement: “Can’t wait to be in Rwanda soon,” he said to cheers from the crowd.
As performances from singer Bruce Melodie and the Mashirika Troupe electrified the crowd, one thing was clear: Kwita Izina is more than a ceremony—it is a celebration of nature, community, and the shared responsibility to protect the planet’s rarest treasures.
