Burundi Drummers

The name “Sangwamahoro”—meaning “May peace be upon you”—serves as both greeting and mission statement. It embodies our commitment to fostering unity between Hutu and Tutsi communities, transforming historical divisions into harmonious collaborations that celebrate our shared Burundian heritage.

Our Journey: From Refuge to Cultural Renaissance

2005 – Foundation in Exile Sangwamahoro emerged from the Burundian refugee community in Kenya, initially providing crucial support to families displaced by civil conflict. Our founders recognized that survival required more than just meeting basic needs—it demanded preserving the cultural identity that connects us to our homeland.

Cultural Reconnection Mission As children were born in exile, we witnessed the urgent need to reconnect younger generations with their Burundian heritage. Sangwamahoro evolved into a cultural club where language, traditions, and ancestral practices could be learned, shared, and celebrated, ensuring that displacement didn’t mean cultural disconnection.

Growing Into Performance Excellence Today, Sangwamahoro has blossomed into a dynamic cultural collective featuring accomplished drummers and both male and female dancers who perform at events, festivals, and concerts across East Africa. Our performances serve as powerful testimonies to the resilience of Burundian culture and the healing power of artistic expression.

Our Mission: Peace Through Cultural Unity

Healing Through Heritage Sangwamahoro serves as a living bridge between generations, helping children born in exile connect with their ancestral roots while providing adults with a platform to share experiences, preserve traditions, and support one another through community solidarity.

Reconciliation Through Rhythm Our performances carry the profound message that cultural expression can transcend ethnic divisions. By bringing together Hutu and Tutsi artists in harmonious collaboration, we demonstrate that our shared heritage is stronger than historical conflicts.

Cultural Ambassador Work We serve as cultural ambassadors for Burundi, showcasing the rich musical and dance traditions that have sustained our people through centuries of both celebration and struggle. Our performances educate international audiences about authentic Burundian culture while fostering pride within our diaspora communities.

The Sacred Art of Burundian Drumming

Historical Significance Burundian drumming, known as “Ingoma,” represents one of Africa’s most sophisticated percussion traditions. These sacred drums, traditionally carved from sacred trees and covered with cowhide, have served as:

• Communication tools between communities
• Spiritual conduits during ceremonies
• Markers of significant life events
• Symbols of unity and cultural identity

Musical Complexity Our performances feature intricate polyrhythmic compositions that demonstrate:

• Complex interlocking patterns passed down through generations
• Ceremonial sequences specific to different occasions
• Regional variations that tell the story of East African migration and cultural exchange
• Contemporary adaptations that keep traditions relevant to modern audiences

Our Collective: Drummers and Dancers United

Master Drummers Our ensemble includes skilled drummers who have mastered the traditional techniques of Burundian percussion, many learning from elders who carried this knowledge from the homeland. Each drummer brings both technical excellence and deep cultural understanding to every performance.

Cultural Dancers Our male and female dancers embody the grace, strength, and spiritual significance of traditional Burundian movement. Their performances tell stories of harvest celebrations, ceremonial rites, community gatherings, and the resilience of the Burundian spirit.

Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer Sangwamahoro serves as a bridge between generations, where young people born in exile learn from their elders, ensuring that traditional knowledge continues to flow from those who remember the homeland to those who will carry these traditions into the future.

Our Impact: Beyond Performance

Cultural Preservation in Exile Sangwamahoro has become a vital repository of Burundian cultural knowledge, ensuring that traditions, languages, and practices survive and thrive even away from the homeland. We serve as a cultural lifeline for diaspora communities across East Africa.

Peace and Reconciliation Through our collaborative approach that brings together artists from different ethnic backgrounds, we demonstrate that cultural expression can heal historical wounds and build bridges toward lasting peace and understanding.

Educational Outreach

• Workshop programs for refugee communities and local schools
• Cultural education sessions that promote understanding of Burundian heritage
• Language preservation classes for children born in exile
• Historical presentations on Burundian culture and traditions

Community Empowerment

• Mentorship programs connecting young people with cultural elders
• Performance opportunities that provide income and pride for artists
• Social support networks that help community members navigate life in exile
• Cultural celebrations that strengthen community bonds and identity

Why Partner With Us?

Authentic Cultural Representation Unlike commercial entertainment groups, we provide genuine cultural education and authentic traditional performances that honor the sacred nature of our musical heritage.

Professional Excellence Our collective consists of highly skilled master drummers with decades of experience in both traditional and contemporary performance contexts.

Educational Value Every performance doubles as a cultural education opportunity, providing audiences with deep insights into East African history, spirituality, and social structures.

Community Impact Sponsorship directly supports cultural preservation efforts and provides sustainable livelihoods for traditional musicians and craftspeople.