Rwanda: Kwita Izina - Israel Mbonyi, Patrice Evra to Name Baby Gorillas

What the report says

Rwanda will host the 21st edition of Kwita Izina, the country’s annual gorilla naming ceremony, on Friday, September 4, in Kinigi, Musanze District, according to The New Times as distributed by AllAfrica. The event is part of Rwanda’s broader conservation and tourism agenda and will bring together public figures from different sectors to name newborn mountain gorillas.

Among the personalities confirmed so far are UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais, former France and Manchester United player Patrice Evra, former France international Mamadou Sakho, Rwandan gospel singer Israel Mbonyi, and Egyptian businessman Ahmed Sadek Elsewedy. The report says more names may still be added before the ceremony. This year, 22 baby gorillas are expected to receive names.

Kwita Izina is modeled on Rwanda’s traditional naming customs and has been held every year since 2005. It has grown into one of the country’s signature conservation events, drawing visitors and guests linked to tourism, sport, entertainment and business. The ceremony highlights Rwanda’s efforts to protect mountain gorillas, which remain one of its best-known wildlife attractions.

The 2026 edition is being held under the theme “Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future.” A follow-up Kwita Izina concert is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at BK Arena, with Nigerian artist Rema announced as the headliner.