Rwanda’s traditional music, a precious heritage

From time immemorial in Rwanda, traditional songs and dances have been considered as precious heritages of the country’s culture.

Monday, March 03, 2008
Intore and Amaraba dancers performing

From time immemorial in Rwanda, traditional songs and dances have been considered as precious heritages of the country’s culture.

Like other African societies, Rwanda has also got a variety of songs and dances which range from acts that demonstrate heroic commemorating excellence and bravery, humorous lyrics to hunting root.

The traditional songs are often accompanied by a solitary "Inanga", a harp-like instrument with eight strings.

Rwanda’s tradition dances are backed by a drummer group, which normally comprises of seven to nine members. And collectively produce a hypnotic and exciting explosion set of intertwining rhythms.

You may choose upon spontaneous traditional performances in the rural or urban areas of the country, since they are available everywhere and equally entertaining.

The finest exponent of Rwanda’s diverse and dynamic traditional musical and dance styles, however, is the Intore, which was founded several centuries ago during the kingship era.

The Intore, literally mean ‘The chosen ones’ and it used to perform at the King’s palace in Nyanza.

But today, the exciting act can be arranged at short notice through the national museum in Butare, and normally performs during ceremonial events. A more modern form of Rwandan music is the upbeat and harmonious devotional singing that can be heard in any church service around the country.

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