With the sound of drums and "acrobatic" dances, the Boulevard l'Uprona vibrated to the rhythm of the very first "drum carnival" in Bujumbura, Burundi.
A perfect opportunity for traditional Burundian drummers to showcase their talents. This took place during the 5th edition of the UMUKOZO festival.
The initiative took place under the theme "Our identity is culture." A demonstration was held before an enthusiastic audience, linking the event to stability in Burundi.
I am very happy to hear the sounds of the Burundian drum, to see the national flag waving, this proves that in our dear country, there is peace and security contrary to the bad information tarnishing the image of our Burundi," says Pascal Niyonkuru, spectator.
Traditional dances were also on the program at the UMUKOZO festival. This was despite the emphasis placed on the drum, a distinctive symbol of Burundi worldwide, according to the event organizers.
"The drum is the image of Burundi. You will not find any drum like the one from Burundi. Its shape, its philosophy, its culture, its strategy, its communication, its way of identifying itself, the drum is unique. It is also inscribed in UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage," emphasizes Jean Claude Niyuhire, director of the UMUKOZO festival.
The UMUKOZO Festival has been organized every year since May 2021. It brings together different cultural clubs from across the country.
