Kwita Izina 2025 — A Spectacular Celebration of Conservation and Culture

Kwita Izina 2025 — A Spectacular Celebration of Conservation and Culture as today 5/09/2025 we will welcome Bakar Sagna a professional footballer from Arsenal and Javier pastore from Paris Saint Germain 

Date & Venue

When: Friday, 5 September 2025 — the 20th edition of the iconic Kwita Izina ceremony

Where: At the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, in Kinigi, Musanze District, Rwanda 

Picture this: a stadium-like open-air venue, tents lined neatly, vibrant mats laid out, and performers rehearsing to the rhythm of traditional drums—Kinigi is buzzing with excitement and meticulous preparation .

Ceremony Highlights – A Team at the Top of Its Game

Naming the Stars

40 baby mountain gorillas will be formally named—18 born in 2024 and 22 in the preceding year .

Each naming honors the gorilla’s personality or birth story and helps track their health and lineage.

The A-Team of “Namers”

A diverse and global lineup of Namers (those who bestow the names) includes:

Princess Ingeborg zu Schleswig-Holstein (German artist & philanthropist)

Tunku Ali Redhauddin (Prince of Negeri Sembilan, President of WWF Malaysia)

Javier Pastore (PSG legend)

Other distinguished guests include Ruth Fisher (attorney), Vivien Ressler (creative/phil), and Jean de Dieu Niyonzima, a student from Nyaruguru District.

Dozens more—from Dr. Gaspard Nzayisenga (Gorilla Doctors vet) to rangers and trackers—will participate virtually or in person .

Spectator Experience – Game Day Energy Meets Cultural Beats

Mighty Performances

The ceremony will be MC’d by Makeda Mahadeo and Lion Manzi, with live performances by Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company .

Expect powerful drumming, traditional Rwandan song and dance, storytelling, and more—all expertly choreographed under the guidance of Mashirika group organizers .

Community, Culture & Conservation

Celebrating 20 years of conservation wins, Kwita Izina is rooted in Rwanda’s tradition of naming newborns and has evolved into a global conservation festival .

It's a showcase of how communities, rangers, researchers, and tourists come together around a shared goal: protecting Rwanda’s mountain gorillas .

Why It Matters – More Than Just a Ceremony

Rwanda is country that strengthening in attracting tourist.

Conservation Victory in Numbers

Since 2005, nearly 400 baby gorillas (approaching 397 to 400) have received names, marking a major win in mountain gorilla population recovery .

The region’s gorilla population has climbed from around 880 in 2012 to over 1,060 today, thanks to community-led conservation models and shared tourism revenue .

The Legacy of Community-Centered Conservation

The theme for 2025 spells it out: “A legacy of community centered conservation, securing a sustainable future for all.” This reflects how tourism, local livelihoods, and wildlife protection form a winning alliance .

How to Catch the Action – Be There or Watch Live

Attend in Person or together with your family and friends at musanze district in kinigi sector.

Kinigi, Musanze: Easily reachable via a ~2-hour drive from Kigali.

Expect VIP and public seating; booking early is a must for accommodation and transport arrangements .

Watch Live

The ceremony will be broadcast live on Rwanda TV and streaming via the Visit Rwanda YouTube channel . Go to your YouTube channel and search Rwanda tv for live streaming 

Strategy & Execution: From constructing the stage to rallying performers and VIPs, the Kwita Izina team operates .

Cultural Significance: Just as a home crowd fuels players, traditional naming practices connect past and present, adding depth and meaning to conservation work .

Sustainable Legacy: This isn’t a one-off win. Kwita Izina is Rwanda’s conservation hall of fame, where every named gorilla adds to a record of success—and a blueprint for future generations.

So, whether you're cheering from Kinigi or tuning in online, Kwita Izina 2025 is a ceremony, a festival, and a win for the planet—wrapped up in a day of pride, culture, and purposes.