Music of Burundi

There is not a lot of information about Burundian music, however most of their music is very traditional and goes far back into their history.

The traditional music of a Burundian stems from the villages. After a hard day of labor, the family unit would gather and someone would play a traditional instrument. Sometimes they would pull out a flute or recorder made from wood or bones, other times drums made of stretched leather.

As the music would play a simple rhythmic tune, a whisper-like voice would come in and sing. Perhaps, they would sing familiar tunes or make up new ones. Sometimes the voice would not say any words, but contort their voice into new sounds.  The voice would rarely make it about a whisper adding a mysterious quality.

The music of Burundi sometimes discusses their violent pasts. The bloodshed, pain and horror that the musicians felt, reaches into anyone of the listeners hearts. They will also sing about their love for Burundi itself: the mountains, plains, animals and people. This too will give a connection between the composer and the listener.

Burundian villagers use music as one of their few forms of entertainment and relaxation. Even the most untalented at performing the music is able to enjoy and connect with it on a deeper level. It becomes a bridge between strangers, a bond that sometimes is deeper than one could imagine.