Rwanda's first women's drumming group educates next generation

When Odile Gakire Katese, known as Kiki, founded the Ingoma Nshya drumming group 22 years ago, she was unaware that women in Rwanda were largely forbidden from playing drums. The group, composed exclusively of women, is set to perform at the Reykjavík Festival in June.

Kiki explained that the initial idea was to involve women in artistic fields where their presence was minimal or nonexistent. "We wanted to go into filmmaking, where there are still few women, or creative writing, or something along those lines. We didn't have access to what was needed for that, but we did have access to drums at the university where I worked. So, drumming was chosen; it was really the simplest and most accessible option."

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We wanted to go into filmmaking, where there are still few women, or creative writing, or something along those lines. We didn't have access to what was needed for that, but we did have access to drums at the university where I worked. So, drumming was chosen; it was really the simplest and most accessible option.

Born in Rwanda but raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kiki had little knowledge of her home country's culture upon her return. She discovered the near-prohibition of women drumming. Despite facing considerable adversity and limited opportunities in Rwanda, Ingoma Nshya has achieved success globally, becoming the first women's drumming ensemble in the country.

Kiki is committed to ensuring Ingoma Nshya's legacy extends beyond its current members, aiming to impact future generations. The group conducts educational sessions in Rwandan schools, reaching over 500 young girls. "We decided to start teaching the next generation, again without funding," Kiki said. "I advise every drummer to find a school in their neighborhood and offer their services. It has been three years since we started this, and we are teaching in ten schools."

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We decided to start teaching the next generation, again without funding. I advise every drummer to find a school in their neighborhood and offer their services. It has been three years since we started this, and we are teaching in ten schools.