GITEGA December 22nd (ABP) – Drummers from Gitega province (central Burundi) won hands down the best prize in the inter-provincial drum dance competition. The event took place on December 20, 2021, in the premises of the Gitega National Museum.
A score of 93.2%, accompanied by an envelope containing one million Burundi francs, was awarded to those drummers.
The chief of the jury announced that the lucky winners stood out in the application of the evaluation criteria. These included the know-how in the beating of the drums, the elegance in the beating and dancing, a neat and appropriate outfit for the drummers, respect for timing and a good presence both on entry and exit of the competition yard.
In his speech for the occasion, the permanent secretary in the Minister responsible for Culture, Mr. Louis Kamwenubusa, expressed his deep satisfaction regarding to the qualitative leap that drummers from all walks of the country have shown. A special mention was given to the provinces of Muramvya and Ruyigi, respectively 3rd and 4th in the competition, for having shown very significant progress in that competition.
Mr. Kamwenubusa explained to the people present that the drum is a Burundi cultural heritage, which embodies the values of unifying the population and national harmony.
In addition, he recalled that the Burundian drum has become a cultural world heritage since its inclusion in the books of UNESCO in 2014.
Thus, the permanent secretary in the ministry in charge of Culture asked the Burundi youth to perpetuate this cultural heritage of international renown, in the strict respect for the prohibitions revolving around it, he pointed out.
That competition, which began activities on the 13th of December 2021 in Rumonge province (southwest), was placed under the theme “Drummers, let’s rise and work together for the promotion of culture, the basis of peace and sustainable development”.
In that competition, the province of Gitega was seconded by the Bujumbura City Council and at the bottom of the list was found the province of Cankuzo with 51.9%, preceded by that of Makamba with 55.2%.