The Enduring Beat of Rwanda: Drums Through History and Culture
Learn about the history behind the drums that have become national treasures.
DrumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Drums - Ingoma
In the Great Lakes region, the Bantu word "ngoma" refers to a drum with deep cultural significance. Beyond its association with political power, the ngoma plays a vital role in healing practices and fosters a sense of community identity.
Drums in Rwanda
Drums, a cornerstone of Rwandan heritage since the 11th-century kingdom's founding by King Gihanga Ngomijana, transcended mere symbolism. They became a national emblem, playing a vital role in political, social, and cultural life.
The three types of drums.
Rwandan drums fall into three categories: 1) Ritual drums: Announcing the king's arrival at events.
2) Royal drums (Ingoma): Symbols of kingly power and Rwandan dominance.
3) Musical drums: For entertainment, like the pictured Ingaraba (used for dances with horns).
Royal drums by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
1.Royal Drums: Drums with exclusively political roles
In the late 19th century, Rwanda's royal drums consisted of four highly revered instruments: Karinga ("royal treasure"), Cyimumugizi ("the country is governed by an omnipotent"), Mpatsibihugu ("master of the countries"), and Kiragutse ("The country is big").
Karinga by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
The Karinga drum
Inaugurated by King Ruganzu II Ndori in the late 16th century, the Karinga drum replaced the earlier Rwoga drum. It surpassed all others, becoming a national emblem and symbolic seat of the kingdom, with the king himself seen as its servant.
Did you that Karinga was the most repected royal drum?
Daily music paid homage to the Karinga drum. In harvest ceremonies, it was carried in a special litter (ingobyi). The king, representing Rwanda, offered the harvest to this revered symbol.
The king pledged absolute loyalty to the Karinga drum, even vowing self-sacrifice for its protection.
Moreover, a light tap on the drum by the king signified a death sentence, with the Karinga itself seen as delivering the punishment.
Royal drum (4)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
2. Ritual drums
Ritual drums announced the king's presence at ceremonies or gatherings. Played by the king, ritualists, or knowledge keepers, each drum had a specific purpose. The pictured busarure drum, for example, marked harvest rituals.
Royal drum (2)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Examples of ritual drums: war trophies
Captured by King Cyirima Rujugira's army in the 17th century, the Nanguburundi drum became a war trophy. Entrusted to the Ababona ritualists in Gaseke, Nyaruguru, it was played before or during attacks by Burundi.
Urukerereza Drumming by The National Ballet UrukererezaRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
3. Performing drums or musical drums
In Rwanda's monarchy, musical drums filled the air daily for the Karinga drum, king, and queen mother. They also marked special events: enthronements, victories, hero honors, mourning ends, harvests, and the Inyambo festival.
DrummingRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Drums ensemble
The "Umutagara w'ingoma" is an ensemble of 8 to 12 musical drums. Played during festive occasions, cultural events, or to welcome dignitaries, their lively rhythms often follow important speeches. On special occasions, multiple ensembles might combine for a grand performance.
Drums in the present day
Following the Rwandan monarchy's abolition in 1961, the royal drums and their ritualistic use ceased.
Today, drumming has transitioned into a purely entertainment art form, welcoming women alongside men who traditionally held this role.
Content development and curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
References:
1) Patrimoine Musical du Rwanda
