Super User 01 September 2023

Best Travel Guide To Gishora Drum/Drumming Sanctuary in Burundi

Explore the Gishora drum sanctuary, a Burundi must-visit site for an unforgettable travel experience to learn about their culture, dance, and local community experiences.

Wondering why Gishora Drum Sanctuary is one of the famous drum sites in Burundi for a cultural experience. It is one of the cultural sites to see when on tour in Burundi. You can watch a drum show almost everywhere in Burundi, but Gishora makes a difference and for a good reason due to its history. Yes, the Burundi Drum is a World Heritage Site.

Location of Gishora Drum Sanctuary in Burundi:

Gishora is 7km from the urban center of Gitega, at 200 meters on the left side of Gitega-Ngozi Road.

The history of Royal Drums and Gishora Drum Sanctuary:

This drum sanctuary was established by King Mwami Mwezi IV, Burundi’s last monarchy ruler in celebration of a victory over the rebellious chief Ntibirangwa in the second half of the 19th century, and ever since its establishment, the Gishora drum sanctuary has continued to be a place to practice and teach specific ritual drumming techniques.

After the victory, the King commanded the construction of the site as a thank-you to an old man named Nyabidaha for saving his life when enemies pursued him.

This site has always belonged and remained taken care of by a local community of drummers called ‘Abatimbo’ descending from the traditional lineage of ‘Abanyigisaka’. These specialized drummers’ families have enjoyed a huge privilege from the royal court. Today, the drummers can be anybody who enjoys dancing around the drum wearing the national colors- red, white, and green.

Drumming tradition in Burundi:

From its founding in 1903 to today, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary has been an important site where young boys and men of all ages practice rehearse, and teach specific drumming techniques to the young generation. This is the reason behind the longstanding drumming tradition today. Drumming in Burundi is an all-in-one package consisting of combat-style dance, specific rhythms, and poesy“kwivuga amazina”.

The drums were beaten on special occasions by boys and men from specialized families called ‘Abatimbo’ announcing great ceremonies of the country such as the royal enthronement, royal weddings, royal birth, the sowing festival, the funerals of the kings and queens, and these drums gave rhythm to the special events.

A drum show performed with the royal drum, ingoma, was also a sign of unity between the people and honor to the royal house. The Burundian drums are not made using any trees. When designing a drum, they use three types of trees, and those are umuvugangoma(Cordia Africana), umurama(Bridelia atroviridis), and umusave Markhamia lutea)

Contrary to some non-verifiable information that “…when the drums are played, they invite the ancestors into the ritual and banish evil spirits. “, a drum is an important tool for the image of the country in international cultural events and official ceremonies.

Drums make and symbolism:

The drums are made of wood from sacred, rare trees and it’s believed that when the drums are played, they invite ancestors into the rituals and chase away demons. All drums have names and roles they play. At the Gishora drum sanctuary, 2 special drums have never been played that’s; Ruciteme’ (the one for whom we clear the forest) and ‘murimirwa’ (the one for whom we cultivate). Both names represent the importance of farming and the king’s association with the earth’s fertility. The sanctuary also has other drums known as ‘Ingendanyi’ or ‘Retinue’, which are still beaten today.

Being that Africa’s history and culture are closely integrated, guarded, and easily passed to the next generations, drumming in Burundi has also been kept alive up to today and it’s one of the most celebrated cultural practices in Burundi. Traditionally the drums were regarded as sacred objects used at special events.

The drumming culture is still practiced by locals who play drums at major modern-day events both national and international. Burundian drummers are known for their unique performances and visitors are given a chance to participate in the dances at the Gishora Drum Sanctuary.

Also found in the Burundian legendary hills are the remains of the ancient kingdoms such as the historical and colonial grounds which were used for the inaugurations of the ancient kings.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Gishora Drum Sanctuary?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance if you plan on visiting the Gishora Drum Sanctuary. This will ensure that you have a guaranteed spot and can avoid any disappointment upon arrival.

Additionally, booking ahead of time allows you to plan your visit more effectively and make the most of your experience at the sanctuary. Whether you are a music enthusiast or simply interested in learning about traditional Burundian culture, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary is worth a visit. So don’t wait any longer; book your visit today and get ready to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique and fascinating destination!

When is the Gishora drum sanctuary open?

If you’re planning to visit the sanctuary, you may be wondering about its opening hours. Fortunately, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary is open every day of the week, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This gives visitors plenty of time to explore the various exhibits and learn about the history and significance of these unique instruments.

Arrange with ULTIMATE WILD SAFARIS for this wonderful cultural expedition in Burundi.

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