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Greetings Africa, from the people of Rwanda

Good morning Africa from the culturally rich Rwanda, a landlocked country located in East Africa, whose green mountainous landscape has earned it the nickname “Land of a Thousand Hills”

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Rwanda is a mountainous country with a beautifully crafted landscape located on the far western edge of the Rift Valley, bordering on Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Boasting a rich tradition of celebrations involving music and dance, Rwanda is distinctly regarded as one of the few countries in Africa with single common language and culture.

Traditional Music and dance have a pivotal role in the traditions of Rwandan people who deserve the bragging rights for having an abundant culture that bursts with a variety of music and dance activities which include; acts that demonstrate tales as well as commemorate excellence and bravery among other things. The Traditional songs are usually accompanied by a single lulunga a harp-like instrument with eight strings.

Every last Saturday of each month, Rwandan people usually take part in a national day of community service known as “Umuganda,” during which most normal services close down

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Language

To live up to its unique nature Rwanda, unlike many African countries, has been a proudly unified state, occupied by the Banyarwanda (Hutu, Tutsi and Batwa) people who share a single language and rich cultural heritage. The Rwandan languages are Kinyarwanda, French and English.

Traditional Dressing for Women
Mushanana is a formal attire for Rwanda. It is also worn at weddings, church services and other formal events.

Rwanda woman traditional costume mushanana.

Rwanda woman traditional costume mushanana. Source: Snipview

Traditional Dressing for men
Male dancers may wear a wrapped skirt without a shirt; they wear beaded straps that cross over the chest.

Rwandan male dancers in the traditional regalia.Source:vebidoo

Rwandan male dancers in the traditional regalia.Source:vebidoo

Beliefs
Over two-thirds of Rwandans are Christian, mainly Catholic, though smaller evangelical churches are becoming more popular. However, many Rwandans still hold on to traditional beliefs. These centre around a supreme being called the “Imana.” People often hold informal ceremonies asking for the Imana’s blessing. He is believed to help in the creation of children inside the mother’s womb by shaping the clay which forms the human beings.

Women dancers wear traditional shawls wrapped across their bodies in sari fashion. Source:Pintrest

Women dancers wear traditional shawls wrapped across their bodies in sari fashion. Source:Pintrest

Rwandan traditional wedding ceremony. Source:Pinterest

Rwandan traditional wedding ceremony. Source:Pinterest

Rwandan wedding party. Source:Pinterest

Rwandan wedding party. Source:Pinterest