Master Drummers of Burundi

The Master Drummers of Burundi are a legendary percussion ensemble from Burundi, Central Africa. The drums are indispensable in all important ceremonies such as birth and death rituals, inauguration of kings and rituals that promote the fertility of man and nature. These performances date back to the time when Burundi was a kingdom. The rhythms are not only timeless, but also a powerful, hypnotic, and fascinating experience.

The drums ( called karyenda ) are sacred in Burundi and represent fertility and renewal. For centuries, the harvest festivals of the people, and previously also the reigning monarch’s royal festivities, were accompanied by the thundering sounds and the athletic dances of the Burundi drummers and dancers.
The drums are made of hollowed-out tree trunks, covered with animal skin. In addition to the main drum, the inkiranya, there are also amashako drums that can keep a continuous rhythm, and ibishikiso drums, which follow the rhythm of the inkiranya.

The technique and traditions of the world famous Master Drummers go back centuries and are passed down from father to son. The drummers take turns playing everything from drumming on the inkiranya, dancing and resting, to playing the other drums. At the start of the show, the performers carry heavy drums on their heads, while playing and singing. The show ends in the same way. In between, a series of thunderous rhythms are performed, accompanied by singing, screaming, and energetic and athletic dancing.