It was an event to be remembered as government hosted a cultural evening showcasing the talented National Ballet 'Urukerereza', on Sunday, at Kigali Serena Hotel.

This all-traditional musical event was hosted by the Ministry of Sports and Culture and was attended by the First Lady Mrs Jeannette Kagame accompanied by her daughter Ange Kagame; the Minister of East African Community Ambassador Valentine Rugwabiza; the Executive Secretary of the National Women's Council Jacqueline Kamanzi;  members of the diplomatic corps, joined by a diverse crowd of people of all ages.

The two-hour cultural evening show started at 7p.m, and was filled with passion, glamour and old school musical setup. The event was dubbed "Indamutso” (loosely translated as warm greetings), aimed at instilling and reminiscing the Rwandan tradition which brought together members of the community, to spend their evening singing and dancing together.

Officials described the show as one of the events that serve as a basis for recollecting and valuing the country’s cultural heritage.

Julienne Uwacu, the Minister of Sports Culture, said the cultural evening comprised of traditional music, dance and drama should be used as a foundation to spread Rwandan cultural values, and foster a better understanding and practice of the country's traditions at home and abroad.

"All these things you saw make a great deal of our culture…and the national ballet has the responsibility to make our culture well-known and spread among ourselves as Rwandans, and other people all over the world”.

Uwacu said that as the world evolves and new cultures are formed from the contact between people of diverse backgrounds, the ministry, supported by those who are more informed about the various aspects of this culture, should take it upon themselves to share their knowledge with the new generations of Rwandans.

"Our vision is that, through our lessons and new adventures, we should not let go of traditions passed on from one generation to the next. We hope to work together with traditional troupes in instilling the cultural values and norms in terms of music, dance and drama,” she said.

The minister observed that the cultural night was the beginning of a series of events that will be spread across the country, to serve the same purpose – of encouraging the various generations of Rwandans, and friends of Rwanda, to learn more about the country’s cultural traditions.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw