Burundi’s Royal Drummers are a group of 20 people who perform at major ceremonies throughout the country. Burundi is a landlocked country in Central Africa. This talented percussion ensemble performs for people who are interested in African arts and culture all over the world, in addition to performing at births, funerals, christenings, and coronations in their own country. The Royal Drummers of Burundi are widely regarded as one of the world’s finest percussion ensembles, and their dynamic performances are frequently well-attended.
The drumming and performance ensemble is multigenerational, with fathers teaching their sons the art of drumming. The drummers alternate playing different instruments and taking rest breaks throughout the performance to create a continuous stream of music that does not stop until the end. Some of Burundi’s Royal Drummers are also dancers, and a performance usually starts with a procession and dance performance, in which the drummers enter with their instruments on their heads, singing and dancing as they set up their instruments.
The performance drums are made of hollowed-out tree trunks covered in animal skin. The Inkiranya is the name of the main drum. Ibishikiso drums follow the rhythm set by the primary drum, while Ingoma and Amashako drums help to establish and carry the beat of the performance. While playing, the drummers are frequently active, jumping in the air and dancing as they work with their instruments.
The drum is a sacred musical instrument in Burundi. It represents rebirth, fertility, family, and the King’s power. Drumming has long been a part of Burundian culture, and performances by the Royal Drummers are cultural and heritage celebrations as well as entertaining musical events. Burundian drummers occasionally perform alongside other African musical ensembles, and in small venues, they may be open to questions and socializing after the show.
The Royal Drummers of Burundi have toured the world since the 1960s and have released several albums for their fans. Other musicians have taken inspiration from their style and technique, and their songs are occasionally sampled in musical performances. Because the Royal Drummers of Burundi are a prestigious and well-known group, performances in your area will almost certainly be well publicized, and you can purchase their recordings from local music stores and online retailers.