Rwanda’s renowned traditional dance troupe, Inganzo Ngari, kicked off the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs at BK Arena on Friday May 24, with a breathtaking performance that brought cultures from eight countries represented fused into one.
The performance left basketball fans from all walks of life feel at home to considering the fact that it associated them with them considering that the troupe performed popular songs of genres originating from their respective countries.
Inganzo Ngari’s performance was not just about entertainment; it was also a celebration of culture, unity, and the vibrant energy that sports, especially basketball, brings to communities across Africa. The troupe’s halftime show reminded attendees that, beyond the competition, the BAL is also a community and powerhouse that aims at unifying Africa even more.
The troupe widely known for its breathtaking performances of ‘Amaraba,’ the Rwandan traditional dance, caught the audience off guard at the BK Arena when they performed dances from Libya, Nigeria, South Africa, and hosts nation Rwanda among others, sparking curiosity among revelers of how they got all the musical genres together into one performance.
Speaking to The New Times, Serge Nahimana, Inganzo Ngari's main choreographer, emphasized the importance of culture as a representation of a country's way of life. He noted that it is crucial for international events to showcase culture, allowing people from around the world to know the beauty of a country.
Nahimana said that performing at the Basketball Africa League helped solidify their reputation as Rwanda's best traditional dance troupe.
"During the preparations, discovering other countries’ dances was challenging but we had to deliver and we were able to master some moves by learning from individuals representing the countries at the tournament” Nahimana said in an interview.
At the time, Inganzo Ngari’s halftime show started with Rwandan songs that acted as a powerful tribute to the host nation's culture with groups of dancers, each adorned in traditional attires representing various African nations.
Holding the Senegalese flag high, the dancers transitioned into showcasing some Senegalese dance moves using the Rwandan drums. Another group of dancers from the same troupe then took the stage, representing Egypt with beautiful and captivating moves. Next up were Moroccan dancers who brought their own flair, followed by energetic performances from Nigerian and South African dancers.
The Nigerian dances, representing one of the most beloved African cultures, had the entire arena moving with energy as spectators joined in, dancing to the beats.
Inganzo Ngari not only showcased Rwandan culture on a global stage but also championed the idea that every African culture deserves equal recognition and appreciation on such a prestigious platform.
About Inganzo Ngari
Inganzo Ngari was founded in 2006 with a mission to promote Rwandan folkloric dance among the youth and their welfare through art.
Since its creation, Inganzo Ngari officially reigns as the best of the existing troupes, and this accreditation is done through a series of competitions and evaluation by competent bodies.
And, just sometime after its creation, the troupe started enjoying international podiums where it was recognised among the best world dance troupe, during its participation in the International Folkloric Festival of Mallorca in Spain (2009), South Africa, Turkey(twice), Singapore, Russia, Nigeria, Gabon and other African countries.
With now over 100 artistes, Inganzo Ngari is poised to continue shaping Rwandan culture and performance and take it to the next level.