On March 8, at Green Hills Academy, students, parents, and other guests witnessed a vibrant evening of performances at Nyirarumaga festival, a celebration that seamlessly intertwined culture and modernity. The event, which coincided with International Women's Day, was an opportunity to pay tribute to the legendary Rwandan poetess Nyirarumaga. Renowned cultural troupe, Inganzo Ngari, singer Mike Kayihura alongside the school's own cultural performers, set the stage ablaze with a fusion of Gakondo and modern sounds. The festivities commenced with a Gakondo warm-up by Umuduri and Inanga performers, skillfully using various instrumental tools slowly drawing the audience into the main acts. Green Hills students' instrumental rendition of 'Humura Rwanda Nziza' by Kamaliza, set the perfect tone, slowly drawing the attention of the eager spectators. ALSO READ: Nyirarumaga, mother of Rwandan poetry immortalized Inganzo Ngari took center stage, performing various traditional dances such as 'Umuhamirizo' (Warrior dance) 'Ikinyemera,' and others, all infused with the Ubutore spirit. Amidst the Ubutore performances, the troupe paid homage to Nyirarumaga, highlighting her significant contributions to Rwanda's poetry and literature. Nyirarumaga, as the foster Queen Mother of King Ruganzu II Ndoli, played a big role in institutionalizing poetry to immortalize the history of Rwandan monarchs. The group skillfully presented excerpts from her poem 'Umunsi ameza imiryango yose,' recounting the story of ‘Nyamususa’, the wife of Gihanga, founder of the Nyiginya Monarchy. The cultural extravaganza reached its peak as the Inganzo Ngari dancers gracefully rotated on the floor, seamlessly exchanging positions in a display that symbolized unity and commitment to preserving Rwanda's rich cultural heritage. The evening took an awesome turn with the entrance of musician Mike Kayihura, who electrified the audience with some of his chart-topping hits, including 'Zuba,' 'Sabrina,' and 'Anytime.' The crowd's enthusiastic response, with shouts for the popular 'Tuza' song, reflected the overwhelming satisfaction with the fusion of tradition and modernity. ALSO READ: Inganzo Ngari set for ‘Ruganzu II Ndoli’ mega concert Orlene Isaro Rubingisa, a student in 10th grade and one the school's own cultural performers said, This was an experience that I was so happy to share with many people, especially my parents and school community. This was a way for us to express our culture, love for it, and everything even people from outside can be able to love our culture and cherish it, she added. Isaro, 15, affirmed that Rwanda's Gakondo is a way to define who she is , where she comes from and be able to identify herself as a Rwandan woman. Another performer, Kareb Shami Chris, 10, said the moment meant a lot especially performing in front of older people and improving his talent. I chose Gakondo because I feel it defines who I am. It's my tradition, I dance and jam and mostly I like the sound of drums, 'Umuduri', 'Amakondera' and Amayungi. Serge Nahimana, Director of Culture at Green Hills Academy, and the mastermind behind the concert, expressed his joy, stating: I'm extremely happy to see that these children understand what Gakondo means and can demonstrate it to their parents. This gives us courage to continue, especially when we hear those who left abroad testifying about how they didn't stop loving the country, didn't forget Ubutore spirit and everything. It's indeed a great and highly valued package. The day also celebrated International Women's Day, acknowledging and appreciating the significant contributions of women. The students joyfully celebrated their mothers and honored them with the flowers they truly deserve, he added. The event closed at 10 pm.
