Rwandan women drummers to play Fête de la Musique Kigali

The free event, supported by the German embassy in Rwanda, is dedicated to celebrating the resilience of Rwandan women and music as a universal language. It also aims to promote, inspire and connect established and emerging female musicians.

“Join us as we honour Ingoma Nshya, a groundbreaking initiative led by Gakire Katese Odile, also knows as Kiki,” the organisers said. “Kiki has defied traditional prohibitions against women drumming in Rwanda, using the national gender policy to challenge cultural taboos and pave the way for female leadership in the arts with music.”

Theatre practitioner Kiki formed Ingoma Nshya, which translates to ‘new drum, new power’ from Kinyarwanda, in 2004. Ingoma Nshya is also a social movement seeking to usher in female empowerment and to foster healing after the 1994 genocide.

According to the Woman Culture Centre, by giving birth to the Rwandan woman drummer, Kiki has modelled a new image for women in Rwanda, and a new tradition of gender equality, infused with respect, unity and joy.

“These are women at the service of themselves, their own rights and their own dreams,” the centre says. “This has been a singular achievement – a gain for both the country’s women and its culture. Today, Ingoma Nshya are not only the recognised leaders of the drumming sector, but they are breathing new life into Rwanda’s drumming heritage. They rescue nearly forgotten traditional repertoires and commission new ones. They are the sole group that drums on a daily basis. They are, in short, reinstating drumming as an art form in Rwanda.” 

Also on the bill are Ikizere Troupe, another women-led group showcasing Rwanda’s traditional music expressions, and “diva” DJ duo Binghi & Itsdmnyt.

The event will start at 5pm.