HUYE - The third edition of the Rwanda Drum Festival (RDF) on Wednesday kicked off in Huye District with performances by artists from Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.

The annual artistic event is organised by the Centre for Arts and Drama (UCAD) of the National University of Rwanda in conjunction with Ingoma Nshya, a women drummers’ troupe.

The festival will last three days and will be mainly characterised by drumming, traditional dance, sports and cooking competitions and discussions to be centred on the theme ‘Culture, Women and Drumming.”

The Rwanda drum festival is the only national artistic festival that is organised in the country.

During the opening ceremony, various artists entertained the audience gathered in front if the Huye multi-purpose hall.

Speaking to The New Times, Gloria Mwiza Magambo, the festival director, noted that the festival is organised with the aim of promoting local artists.

"We hope that after the festival, Rwandan artists will be empowered and their artistic prowess will be improved,” Magambo said.

She added that it will also entertain local residents and give them a feel of local art.

Speaking during the launch of the festival, Huye Mayor, Francois Uhagaze, noted that the festival was a privilege and a great opportunity for local people to enjoy the ends of the year while preparing to enter 2011.

He thanked the organisers for having thought to bring the artistic experience in the area.

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