MUSIC & DANCE:

 

Music and dance are an integral part of Rwandan ceremonies, festivals, social gatherings and storytelling.

 

The most famous traditional dance is a highly choreographed routine consisting of three components: the umushagiriro, or cow dance, performed by women, the intore, or dance of heroes, performed by men; and the drumming, also traditionally performed by men, on drums known as ingoma. 

 

Traditionally, music is transmitted orally, with styles varying between the social groups.

 

Drums are of great importance; drummers play together in groups of varying sizes, usually between seven and nine in number.

 

The country has a growing popular music industry, called "New Rwandan Music", which is influenced by East African, Congolese, and American music. The most popular genre is hip hop, with a blend of rap, ragga, R&B and dance-pop.