The Loyal Kigabiro Drummers from east Africa's Burundi keep alive the ancient art of traditional drumming. Performing dance movements rich in heritage to the sounds of their drums they bring the audience back to an earlier time when drummers would gather to play for the King. The drums are considered sacred and would be played to celebrate crops and woman for bringing life. The drums are made from Umuvugangoma trees that grow in Burundi and the drum skins are made from cowhide. Translated into English Umuvugangoma means the tree that makes the drum speak. The costumes the Loyal Kigabiro drummers wear are traditional in design with the exception that they have incorporated the colors of the Burundi flag. The costumes used in ancient times would have used fabric material produced from the bark of Umuvugangoma trees. The traditional fabric was made flexible by softening the tree bark.

The Loyal Kigabiro drummers release great amounts of energy through their performance. Their dance movements have special meanings through their gestures that transmit powerful messages and symbolic language. To keep their tradition alive the senior members teach the drumming dance to children ages 5 to 17. Also, once a year the group holds a fund raising event with all the funds going to help families in Burundi.

For more information or to book Loyal Kigabiro for your special event email: loyal_kigabiro@yahoo.fr or visit: www.loyalkigabiro.org Video recorded August 2008 at the Ottawa SuperEx, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa, Canada.