About Us

Sangwamahoro Burundi Drummers is a cultural club dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich percussion and dance traditions of Burundi. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, our ensemble brings together master drummers and dancers who represent the soul of Burundian heritage through powerful performances and cultural education.

Founded in 2005 by Burundian refugees seeking both healing and identity in exile, the group has grown from a grassroots support network into a professional cultural institution recognized across East Africa and beyond. The name Sangwamahoro—meaning “May peace be upon you”—captures both our vision and mission: promoting peace, unity, and resilience through the sacred art of traditional music and dance.

Our Origin: From Exile to Cultural Renaissance

Sangwamahoro was born during a time of displacement, founded by refugees who fled civil conflict in Burundi and settled in Kenya. Recognizing that cultural survival is as vital as physical survival, our founders created a space where displaced families could stay connected to their roots. What began as a cultural club soon evolved into a vibrant performance collective—uniting generations and ethnicities through the shared rhythms of heritage. Today, Sangwamahoro is a living bridge between past and future, homeland and diaspora, memory and celebration.

Our Mission: Peace Through Cultural Unity

• Healing Through Heritage We empower communities by reconnecting youth born out of Burundi with ancestral knowledge and providing adults with a dignified platform to preserve and pass down traditions.
• Reconciliation Through Rhythm Our ensemble is intentionally inclusive, uniting all artists to demonstrate that music and culture can heal historic divisions and create new pathways toward peace.
• Cultural Ambassadorship Through our performances, we represent the depth, dignity, and beauty of Burundian culture—educating diverse audiences while uplifting our own communities.

The Sacred Art of Burundian Drumming: Ingoma

Burundian drumming is one of Africa’s most revered percussion traditions. Known as Ingoma, these sacred drums—traditionally carved from holy trees and covered with cowhide—have been used for centuries in royal ceremonies, community celebrations, and spiritual rites. Our performances are rooted in:

• Historical significance – Symbolizing unity, authority, and ancestral connection
• Musical complexity – Showcasing layered polyrhythms and ceremonial sequences passed down through generations
• Contemporary relevance – Infused with modern storytelling while remaining faithful to sacred tradition

Our Ensemble

• Master Drummers Trained by elders and tradition-bearers, our drummers combine technical mastery with deep cultural insight. Each performance is an act of reverence and artistry.
• Cultural Dancers Our male and female dancers express stories of resilience, celebration, and community through vibrant choreography rooted in Burundian ritual movement.
• Intergenerational Collaboration We actively mentor young artists born outside Burundi , ensuring that the living knowledge of Burundian heritage continues to thrive.

What We Offer

• Live Performances High-energy drumming and dance performances suitable for corporate events, festivals, cultural exhibitions, embassies, and private functions.
• Educational Programs Workshops, school visits, and cultural immersion sessions designed to deepen understanding of Burundian history, music, and values.
• Cultural Consultation For institutions, film productions, or educators seeking authentic representation of East African cultural traditions.

Our Impact

• Cultural Preservation We serve as a vital repository of Burundian cultural heritage, ensuring that language, customs, and ceremonial arts endure beyond borders.
• Peacebuilding Through Culture Our collaborative model actively bridges ethnic and generational divides, showing that tradition can be a tool for social healing.
• Community Empowerment Through income-generating performances, mentorship, and support networks, we uplift displaced communities and create dignified livelihoods for cultural practitioners.

Why Partner With Us

• Authenticity Our work is rooted in tradition, performed with cultural integrity, and informed by lived experience—not commercial imitation.
• Professionalism We deliver high-quality performances and experiences tailored to diverse audiences—from embassies to international festivals to corporate cultural events.
• Social Responsibility Your partnership directly supports cultural sustainability, communities and artits empowerment