Traditional / folk music of Rwanda

Rwanda had been passed one of the biggest genocides in the history of Africa in 1994 against Tutsis people. Sadly this caused many of big musicians in folk music of Rwanda lost their lives. Many people escaped from the country and Rwanda suffered from a big chaos.

Folk music and dance are big parts of life in Rwanda. They are mixed in festivals, social events, wedding,... . Storytelling has been big part of folk music of Rwanda since the pre-colonial era until today. As an example Intore dance is a traditional performance that talks about bravery activities of Rwandans in ancient period. It is performed by drums. Both men and women are participated in this traditional performance and it is popular between different ethnic groups. Intore literally means "chosen ones".

Another folk music and dance is amahigi which is dedicated to hunting activities. Some other type of folk songs which can be mentioned which accompanied with dance too are ibihozo(choral songs), indirimbo z'ingab(warriors’ songs), amusare (wrestling songs),...

All different type of folk music and dances accompanied with traditional instruments. Maybe the most well-known folk music instrument of Rwanda is inanga. Which is a lyre or harp style instrument made from cow skin and a specific type of wood. Some other folk music instruments which can be named are inigiri (fiddle style instrument), umuduli (single stringed bow) and icyembe (type of music box).

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