People of all ages graced the cultural evening on Friday in the main auditorium of University of Rwanda Huye Campus. For those who turned up, it was a night to remember. It was organized by the National Ballet (Urukerereza).

The three-hour cultural evening dubbed’Imihigoy’Intore’ aimed at showcasing the traditional Rwandan practice of making a ‘pledge’ or ‘commitment’ known as ‘Guhiga’ in Kinyarwanda.

Radio 10’s culture presenter Aloys Shami Rukizangabo hosted the event during which the National Ballet thrilled the audience with traditional music and dance, rekindling the country culture alive.

The national ballet was accompanied by renowned traditional artists including Mariya Yohani and Muyango, together with the band from Nyundo School of Music and Arts. Together they did a good job to trigger nostalgic feelings about the Rwandan culture.

Lt Col. Patrice Rugambwa, Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Culture and Sports was the guest of honour at the event. It was also attended by Eugene Kayiranga Muzuka, the Mayor of Huye District, and senior officials from the government and University of Rwanda.

In his speech, Rugambwa said that the event was aimed at reminding the young generation about how their ancestors made responsible commitments to society and lived up to them.

"This cultural evening teaches all citizens to build their societies by seeking solutions together through strengthening their relationships, friendships and sociability through making pledges to their respective societies,”

"We use songs and dances as channels to communicate like our ancestors did. Guhiga enables us to match our goals,” Lt Col. Rugambwa said

The event started at 6pm with the band from Nyundo School of Music and Arts performing some traditional songs including Mporempore, Wanyanja we, Rwanda nziza, among others.

The National Ballet (Urukerereza) delivered a spectacular performance of different songs and traditional dances ‘Imihamirizo’ and replicated the traditional way Rwandans used to pledge (Guhiga).

Traditionally, Guhiga was done in a gathering during which members of the public would make certain pledges before friends and the general public and swore to implement them.

This was done while drinking traditional beer in gourds. After many days, an evaluation would be made on the promises and those who didn’t deliver would be publicly despised.

Revelers were treated to all sorts of entertainment including the sounds of traditional trumpetsAmakondera, traditional guitar Inanga and harpIningiri, poems, drums and a display of ancient cultural symbols such as Ibisabo used to churn milk, the traditional basket Igiseke and many others.

Various traditional artistes including Muyango and Maria Yohani graced the occasion and sung classic Rwanda songs including Ndabaga and Intsinzi to the delight of the audience.

Mariya Yohani urged the young generation to embrace the Rwandan culture because it is their identity. The show ended around 9pm.

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