Gakondo Iganze, a monthly showcase of Rwandan traditional music, poetry and dance, will return for its third edition at Kigali Universe on October 31. Held on the last Saturday of every month, the event brings together music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and the wider community to celebrate, preserve and promote Rwandan traditions for present and future generations. Traditional musician Massamba will headline the October edition, performing alongside resident troupe Indashyikirwa and Inyamibwa. ALSO READ: Country Records to honour Rwandan music icon Mariya Yohana Patrick Mugabo, the project manager of Indashyikirwa, said the monthly event aims to reach audiences across generations and keep Rwandan cultural heritage alive. “We want Gakondo to spread widely among young people, elders and children, so that we have a model that stops our culture from fading, and we keep reminding people of it,” he said. Mugabo added that the event also provides an opportunity for younger performers to learn from older generations and celebrate their cultural roots together. “We look for one of the elders who came before us to join us, so that we can perform together and keep showing that culture,” he said. To attract younger audiences, the organisers combine traditional performances with a contemporary setting, showcasing instruments such as the ingoma (drum), imiduri (gourd bow) and inanga (trough zither). Beyond Kigali, the organisers plan to take Gakondo Iganze to other parts of the country, particularly during national holidays. Mugabo said the initiative would not be held every month in every district but would gradually expand its reach to communities across Rwanda. His long-term vision is to establish Gakondo Iganze as a regular cultural gathering where Rwandans can enjoy traditional music and dance while strengthening their connection to the country’s heritage. Tickets for the October edition cost Rwf10,000 for regular admission and Rwf20,000 for VIP access, while a table for six is priced at Rwf200,000.
