Burundi

This country, which is 27834 km2, is located between central and east Africa.
Its neighboring countries are Rwanda, Republic of Congo (Zaire) and 
Tanzania. Based on its area, Burundi is one of the smallest states in 
Africa. However, by its beautiful landscape and it's thousands of hills 
Burundi is one of most beautiful countries in the world. With its interior 
lakes, its mountains, its Sheppard and their herds; Burundi has often been 
called an African Switzerland by its European visitors.


The Show

The drum of Burundi is a traditional show that is very captivating and fascinating.
The show, which is as visual as it, is musical, for centuries have celebrated 
the sorghum’s harvest by placing the drums in a half-circle with the king or 
chief in the middle. Each drummer takes a turn in the centre and directs the 
group. The improvised rhythms performed by the musicians are powerful and 
moving. The musicians are always pleased to play and greet the diverse 
musical encounters and experiences with great joy.


Then and Now

Traditionally only those of royal lineage or great chiefs were able to enjoy 
the skilled drummers. Nowadays, the ritual has been adapted to festivals and 
concert venues. The artists make an impressive entrance, carrying the drums 
made of long tree trunks on their heads, hitting the skins with short 
batons, then placing themselves in a half circle around the central drum. 
The drummers that are beating the continuous rhythm place themselves on the 
left, whereas the others play a different rhythm over the foundation place 
themselves on the right. In turn, each musician takes the centre of the 
semi-circle, and solos over the background rhythm, then proceed to perform 
an athletic dance.