Hundreds of culture and traditional dance enthusiasts gathered at Kigali Serena Hotel on Saturday, July 25, as Intayoberana Cultural Troupe staged the seventh edition of its annual cultural concert. This year's production, Gira u Rwanda, was brought to the stage after four months of intensive rehearsals. The concert served as a vibrant celebration of Rwanda's rich cultural heritage through music, dance, poetry and storytelling. The evening opened with captivating performances by the troupe's drummers, whose remarkable skill and mastery of traditional drums set the tone for an event dedicated to celebrating and preserving Rwanda's cultural identity. ALSO READ: 'Gira u Rwanda': Intayoberana readies seventh cultural showcase in Kigali The audience erupted into applause asIntayoberana, the headline act, took to the stage in colourful traditional attire, delivering energetic performances marked by synchronised choreography and vibrant dances. Through a series of performances, the troupe showcased different aspects of Rwandanculture, highlighting traditions that have shaped the country's identity for generations. The concert also featured demonstrationsof cherished cultural practices, including Amahamba n'Amazina y'Inka, Gusimbuka Urukiramende, Guheka mu Ngobyi and Kunyobanwa, giving the audience an opportunity to experience customs that continue to be preserved and passed down from onegeneration to the next. Intayoberana also presented Gira u Rwanda, a traditional game created by the troupe's long-serving trainer, Aline Sangwa. ALSO READ: Intayoberana troupe announces cultural concert in July Blending traditional music, dance and storytelling, the performances took spectators on a journey through Rwanda's history and customs, illustrating the vital role culture plays in strengthening national identity, unity and social cohesion. One of the evening's highlights was a performance by Uruyange, the children's wing of Intayoberana Cultural Troupe, comprising young performers aged between three and 17. Their confident display reflected the troupe's commitment to passing Rwanda'scultural heritage on to a new generation dedicated to preserving the country's traditions. Ten-year-old Brice Sugira Irakoze, a member of Uruyange, said being part of the troupe has taught him the importance of safeguardingRwanda's cultural values. Being in Intayoberana teaches us aboutRwandan values and how our ancestorsused to live. It is important for us, as young people, to continue preserving our culture so that it does not disappear, Irakoze said. Another young performer, Carmela Isimbi Uyisabye, said she initially joined Intayoberana because of her passion for singing butsoon discovered the troupe offered muchmore than she had expected. I joined Intayoberana because I loved singing. After becoming a member, the experience has been wonderful. I have learned a lotabout Rwandan culture, and I have also made friends and connected with other young people who share the same passion, she said. She encouraged more children and youngpeople to join cultural troupes, saying they offer an opportunity to learn about Rwanda's heritage while building confidence and lasting friendships. I encourage others to join Itorero and receive cultural training. They will enjoy the experience and learn many valuable things about our culture, she added. The concert ended on a high note as performers stepped off the stage and invited membersof the audience to join them on the dancefloor. The entire hall came alive as hundreds of spectators danced and sang along totraditional songs, bringing the evening toa joyful and memorable close in a vibrant celebration of Rwanda's living cultural heritage.
