Ibihangange, the celebrated Rwandan music group behind the hit song "Ngwino Mama," teamed up with traditional music artist Ruti Joel for a track that became a sensation across social media platforms, live shows, and weddings.
The song’s tremendous success bolstered their confidence to pursue professional music careers, joining the ranks of Rwanda's few dedicated musical bands.
Kitoko, Ibihangange’s leader, shared with InyaRwanda that after completing their new song, the group decided to collaborate with Butera Knowless, emphasizing her female voice as a transformative element to their piece.
He explained, “We completed recording the song in the studio, and the more we listened to it, the more we realized it needed a female artist to truly stand out. We unanimously agreed that Butera Knowless would be the perfect fit. After initiating contact and presenting our work to her, she loved the song and agreed to collaborate. We returned to the studio for recording and later finalized the video together.”
Kitoko revealed that Ibihangange initially started as a dance troupe. However, their growing vocal talent overshadowed their dance abilities, pushing them to evolve into a full-fledged music group.
He added, “In the beginning, we were focused on dancing, but over time, our singing skills began to shine more. Recognizing music as our true calling, we decided to pursue it professionally and came together as a group unified by a shared passion for singing.”
Kitoko highlighted, “The transition from dancing to singing allowed us to better express our artistic abilities. Currently, we’re collaborating on a new track with Butera Knowless, which is expected to launch soon.”
Committed to authentic sound, Ibihangange blends traditional Rwandan culture with contemporary musical styles, creating modern, globally appealing music.
The group’s shift from a dance-focused ensemble to professional musicians was sparked by their dominant singing abilities and passion for vocal expression.
According to Kitoko, their collaboration with Butera Knowless was fueled by a strong desire to bring a female essence and elevate their new song.
Their past hit “Ngwino Mama,” featuring Ruti Joel, instilled great confidence and affirmed their decision to pursue professional music. 
Ibihangange is set to release their latest collaboration with Butera Knowless and is gearing up to partner with other esteemed artists. 
The group aims to revolutionize Rwandan music by intertwining their cultural heritage with modern, global influences