Renowned all-male cultural troupe, Ibihame by’Imana, kicked off their three-day festival, ‘Mutarama Turatarama’ on January 19 at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Center (KCEV) and the heart of the spectacle was the fascinating ‘Umutima w’Ingabo’ theater, translating to ‘the heart of the warriors or combatants’.

The event kicked off at 8 pm with this unique piece of dance theater which tells the story of warriors and their big connection with Intore, displaying the distinctive essence of Rwandan cultural art and patriotic courage as they recount the glory of the great warrior troupes that once defined Rwanda’s pre-colonial history.

In particular, ‘Abanyensanga’, the war troop of the first king, the creator of Rwanda Gihanga Ngomijana, ‘Abatsindiyingoma’, the troop of King Kigeli I Mukobanya, who led the first and greatest battle to expand the Kingdom of Rwanda and renowned ‘Ibisumizi’, the last troupe of King Kigeli iv Rwabugili, who rebelled against the slave traders and fought the last battle of the country’s expansion.

Their performance aimed to unite lovers of Rwandan traditional music, known as Gakondo, in a vibrant celebration of ‘Ubutore’, representing Rwanda’s core values, and ‘Guhamiriza’ - warrior dance.

The theatrical production comprised three dance acts, each presenting a different facet of Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

ALSO READ: Guhamiriza: Ibihame on quest to restore Rwanda’s authentic culture

In the opening act, a grandfather originating from the dormant volcano Karisimbi urged the living to witness a significant debate among three renowned battalions in Rwanda’s history.

He guided them to observe these troops narrating their war exploits, aiming to determine the superior and most dedicated one. Rwanda’s creator, Gihanga Ngomijana, intervened urging them to calm down and acknowledge that all battles served Rwanda collectively.

He emphasized that Rwanda belongs to every Rwandan, and victory is shared if they strive to elevate their nation. Afterwards, the wise man escorts the people home and reflects on Nyamuhenda wa Kajeje, the last leader of the ‘Ibisumizi’ troop, who declared their troop the last to conquer new lands for Rwanda.

A revelation unfolds as the wise man discloses that a third party infiltrated them, aiming to annihilate and divide the country. This enemy strategically targets Rwanda’s major symbols: The drum, the cows, and the warriors — representing royalty, prosperity, and peace.

To summarise, despite adversity, the resilient Rwandans refuse to surrender. Recognizing the military strength of their new foe, they shift the battle to one of culture and art, using folklore to outsmart and amaze the enemy. The clever tactic led the infiltrator to underestimate them, ultimately resulting into their exile.

ALSO READ: Why ‘Gakondo’ might be the future of Rwandan music

Act II portrayed life in exile, culture, and art which are the spark in the fighter’s flame. This act represents exile and life in exile through song and voice-over, highlighting the formation of Itorero during this period.

Exile, rather than a hindrance, becomes a vessel for Rwanda’s essence, expressed through art and culture that took on a meaning and brought the longing to return home. The warrior spirit resumed after distress and despair, shaping a hopeful future where the love for Rwanda among the youth transcends mere narrative and gossip.

Act III portrayed Ubutore, the essence of the warrior spirit, featuring various choreographies of the ‘Imihamirizo’ dance. Ubutore acquired its meaning from Itorero and integrated it with the warrior spirit.

This fusion propelled them into the victorious war of liberation, commemorated through choreographies detailing battlefield strategies. The celebration extends beyond armed conflict to encompass contemporary battles in areas such as computers and economics, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by Rwandans.

The final act, however, turned its spotlight on thought-provoking questions posed by children who are also members of the group saying: "Are you like me, who didn’t know about this strong bond we’ve just heard about?”

"How come I don’t know this story? Shouldn’t I approach my grandparents?”

"How can I talk to him if I don’t speak my own language, my own identity?”

In their appeal, Ibihame by’Imana encouraged parents to send their children to partake in the immersive learning experience about &039;Ubutore' and cultural celebrations and doors are open.

The show ended around 11 pm.