It is not uncommon to find people at a gym or spa working out to upbeat tunes by artistes such as Chris Brown, Rihanna, or even from the Congolese music scene. You wouldn’t expect to find a Rwandan song motivating workout enthusiasts — yet that’s exactly what Carine Karambizi has managed to achieve.

By combining elements of traditional Kinyarwanda dance with an exercise routine, the 47-year-old mother of one offers an opportunity to those who aspire to learn how to dance.

Karambizi, a member of Inkindi n’amariza, a traditional dance troupe, initiated the Gakondo body workout, combining traditional songs with physical exercise, including instruction on how to dance.

"I came up with the idea because I wanted to teach traditional dances. Some adults don’t know how to dance Kinyarwanda traditional dances.

"So, I thought I could use sports to promote it. We have many people who want to do sports, some go jogging, and others go for aerobics. I thought I could try to merge the two and bring in traditional music as a unique aspect.”

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Karambizi observes that many people do not know traditional Kinyarwanda dances, particularly men, and become self-conscious during wedding ceremonies which involve dancing.

She thought that by focusing on exercise, many people would come for sports as a motivator and then learn how to perfect their Kinyarwanda dance moves in the process.

Karambizi has been engaging in Kinyarwanda dancing since childhood.

It’s a childhood thing

Karambizi began her journey as a performer in childhood, when she joined the Abatangampundu troupe. "After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, I became part of the Abahimbazamuco troupe at the Rafiki Village in Nyamata.”

She recounts how, after the Genocide, she moved to Belgium and joined another troupe called Amarebe n’Imena; however, the troupe became defunct, prompting her to take up solo practice until she returned home.

Her dream was to return home and promote traditional Kinyarwanda dance and culture, and upon doing so, the plan was to get adults who had a passionate interest in learning, but had previously lacked the opportunity.

Originally, the intended audience was men, but women quickly became interested in learning how to dance while getting a workout.

Karambizi’s passion lies in promoting traditional Kinyarwanda dances and culture, and she believes it is her responsibility to demonstrate them for those who are eager to learn and embrace their roots.

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Since she began one year ago, there has been an increase in demand for her services. Currently, she is running sessions at Cercle Sportif de Kigali and by the Anglican Church in Kibagabaga, due to the large number of people desiring to participate.

"I don’t think I have achieved the goal. I want to see more people join and learn our traditional dances, especially adults, because it is satisfying to see people dance them well.

"I would be ecstatic to be the one to generate the shift and see more people take part in what we do - it is so much more than just dancing.”

For starters, a session costs Rwf3, 000 while monthly subscription is Rwf15, 000 for two sessions a week or Rwf20, 000 thrice a week. Karambizi says that since beginning her venture, many members of the Rwandan Diaspora have requested her to export her distinctive workout style.

Dance and fitness

Raissa Umutoni Karekezi, a 31-year-old enthusiast of traditional dance, found a dream-come-true opportunity in the Gakondo workout group. Combining her love of dancing with exercise, she eagerly embraced the chance to learn and have fun at the same time.

"I was referred to this place by a family member because I was looking for a spot where I could have fun while exercising. I was in a dance troupe in primary and secondary school.

"The only place I would dance was at a traditional wedding. So, doing it every week and at the same time getting fit is like killing two birds with one stone,” she says.

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Umutoni notes that although Kinyarwanda traditional dance appears to be less strenuous than other gym routines, it is actually incredibly effective; for instance, the extended arm movements involved in the dance require significant muscular endurance.

She emphasises that Rwandan women often have an issue with bulky arms, but Gakondo exercise can effectively build tone and firmness, urging women to participate to experience the full scope of exercise it offers.

Emmanuel Ndayisaba, a trainer with Gakondo workout, says that the workout not only promotes physical health, but also brings joy to participants who dance to traditional songs during the session.

"Dancing offers an opportunity to escape your day-to-day worries, exercise your body, and learn about your cultural heritage and traditional dances. Whether you are a local or foreigner, we all follow the same routine and advance together with every step taken,” says Ndayisaba, who is also a member of the National Ballet Urukerereza.

He teaches members the movements blended with exercise, enabling them to quickly grasp and execute the steps.

He claims that the greatest advantage of Gakondo workout is its ability to relax the body, facilitate weight loss, and increase flexibility across the entire body. Ultimately, participants leave feeling energised and ecstatic.

"Sometimes people come with complications and in a short time, they tell us that they feel better and that the ailment they came with went naturally,” Ndayisaba says.

He says that some members joined the group when they lacked the strength to climb steps, but were able to make significant developments in fitness and mobility in a brief time frame, eventually no longer needing to rely on the elevator.

For those yet to be inspired, traditional dance and music can often reinvigorate passion and reignite energy due to its strong emotional connection, Ndayisaba points out.

Karambizi feels a responsibility to ensure that more people learn traditional practices, such as dance and music, before they become extinct.