Government to conduct funeral of Burundi most famous drummer

Antime Baranshakaje is mostly known for his role to protect ” Ruciteme ” and ” Murimirwa “, two drums made of the skin of two cows that King Mwezi Gisabo offered to farmer Nyabidaha

Antime Baranshakaje, 82, the guardian of the sacred drums of Burundi, died in the night of 9 April at Kamenge University Hospital -CHUK, in the capital Bujumbura. He was suffering from a badly fractured thigh after a motorcycle accident. He broke his leg in a motorbike accident six months ago.

Philippe Nzobonariba, Spokesperson for the Government says Burundi has just lost a national treasure, an exceptional man who has left his mark on the history and culture of the country and contributed to the influence of Burundi in the alliance of nations. “His commitment was crowned when the Burundian drum was added to UNESCO’s list of world heritage”, says Nzobonariba. The government pledges to arrange the funeral of this most famous drummer as a sign of paying tribute to him.

Adolphe Ntibasharira, a former director of the Department of Culture in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, says Burundi lost an important figure who knew the importance of the drum. “It is a library which has burnt completely”, he says. Ntibasharira says not only did he play drums but also taught different generations the importance of drums in Burundi.

Antime Baranshakaje is renowned as the promoter of the Burundi drum. On 26 November 2015, UNESCO declared Burundi royal drum dance as Intangible Cultural Heritage.