In the Rwandan tradition, every festivity featured different drumbeats with a specific message. For instance, there was a drumbeat for welcoming the guests at the event, one for the arrival of the king and many more.

Such were the echoes that filled the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village quarters on Sunday, December 15, as guests were entertained during a play dubbed "Intango Kanywabahizi”,  organized by "Ibihame by’ Imana” an all-male traditional dance troupe.

Their debut show was a replica of the battle’s eve at the royal palace. During the play different "intore” who symbolized the country’s army swore their oath, in poetic chants, to the King, and pledged their loyalty to the king, who would then grant them permission to drink from "intango”, a pot containing a fermented drink mostly composed of sorghum which was the main ingredient.

"My Lord, I swear that I won’t betray this country ..., I swear that I will not kill but instead run to the rescue of my country,” said part of the oath that was repeated by every Intore.

After the king evaluated their oaths, he granted them his blessings and even awarded the best among them, and in celebration, they danced joyfully, with a lot of energy.

This choreography was dominated by outstanding footwork, which saw children leave their seats in awe and approach the stage to mimic the choreography.

The show was a replica of the battle’s eve at the royal palace. Courtesy photos.

The audience that consisted of both the young and the old, kept squeezing out their way to catch a clear glimpse of the stage as the play kept getting better and better.

The play also offered an exclusive set of drum beats, only played at the Royal palace, "Inanga” an 11 stringed traditional instrument, traditional flute, and Ikondera which is also a traditional instrument.

Surprise performances

As one of the Inanga players was performing, Jules Sentore couldn’t help but hit the stage. Grabbing the Inanga he began showcasing his talent. Sentore did not stop there as his brother, Joel Ruti, began singing "Warakoze” one of his hit songs, as well as other songs.

Gakondo singer Muyango also graced the event with a brief performance of his "Musaniwabo” hit alongside "Imitari”, two ladies who featured on the song, which triggered cheerful screams from the crowd.

Performers used all kinds of traditional instruments. 

Also present at the event, was Masamba, one of the most respected icon and pioneers of Gakondo. He too was asked to speak as the trainer of the national ballet but the hype was elevated that he, like others before him, ended up giving the electrified crowd what they wanted. Masamba performed "Kanjogera” one of his most loved songs.

Local  "Gakondo” singers and celebrities were also present such as Buravan, Masamba, Mariya Yohani, Muyango, Jules Sentore to name but a few.