On April 12, 2025, the cast of the popular Rwandan drama series Intimba ya Lavie visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi. Following the emotional visit, they gave an exclusive interview with Chita Magic, sharing powerful messages about the Genocide against the Tutsi, unity, and the importance of remembrance.

Jojo (Plays Lavie)

“What inspired me to take part in this action is the realization that we—the youth—have a role to play. The President who led the liberation of this country was only about 31 years old—our age. But despite his youth, he didn’t run away. He stood up for what was right.

He and his peers sacrificed their youth and even their lives to ensure the freedom we enjoy today. That’s why we must also fight against genocide denial and those trying to erase our history.

As youth, we have powerful platforms—social media. Let’s use them to speak the truth and remind the world that there are no Hutu or Tutsi—we are all Rwandans. I’m thankful to our leadership for the peaceful country we live in.

And to all public figures: please don’t go silent during this time of remembrance. Use your voice. Stand up and support our leaders in building the future.”

Mama Lavie (Plays Lavie’s Mother)

“I want to encourage all parents: tell your children the truth about what happened. Teach them our history, so the next generation won’t repeat the past.

As stars and public figures, we must use our voices—because our voices travel far. Let’s use our influence to spread truth.”

Yannick Niyonshuti (known as Killaman)

“I’ve been asking myself many questions lately. I was born in May 1994—during or just after the Genocide. People who witnessed it are growing old. Some are already gone. That’s why we must not waste time. We need to learn and pass on the truth to our children.

I often speak with my grandmother and elders to understand our history—because as a father, I will have to educate my children.

It deeply hurts me that some people still deny the Genocide. How can you deny something that is clearly visible? Bodies are buried. There are memorials. The facts are there.

And I always wonder: what’s so difficult about living together simply as Rwandans?

We, the youth, are social media soldiers. These platforms may not pay us, but when we use them to fight genocide denial, we’re building something powerful—we’re building our country.

It’s tragic to see young children—who never lived through the Genocide—carrying genocide ideology. It shows their parents taught them those ideas. That’s why we must teach our kids to be Rwandans first.

So, youth, let’s keep speaking out. Writing a comment only takes a few seconds, but it can change a lot.”

Mama Shema (Plays Shema’s Mother)

“At the Genocide Memorial are our families, our friends. That’s why we visit—to honor them. We brought teenagers along so they could learn about what happened, and so they don’t fall into the trap of denial.

It’s heartbreaking to see people building houses over the dead. We must speak the truth about what happened. If you don’t know, ask. Many Rwandans lived through the Genocide and can testify.”

The cast’s visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial reminds us of the importance of remembrance, truth, and unity. Their words are a powerful call to action for all Rwandans—especially the youth—to stand against genocide denial, preserve our history, and continue building a future rooted in peace and unity.