Kiki Katese returns to the Festival with her groundbreaking Rwandan women’s drumming group for a joyful performance of music and stories.

In Rwanda, ‘power’ and ‘drum’ are the same word: ingoma. In 2004, a group of women, seeking to heal after a genocide, made a revolutionary choice. They broke a centuries-old taboo and formed Ingoma Nshya (New Power/ New Drum) - the first all-women drumming ensemble in Rwandan history.

This is their story - a joyous narrative concert featuring an electrifying collection of rhythms, songs and dances from both West and East Africa - some traditional, some brand new.

Following Katese’s inspirational The Book of Life (2022 International Festival), this performance delivers its message through music: that discrimination cannot stand in the face of joyful determination.

Supported by Canada Council of Arts and Ontario Arts Council

Performed in English with songs in Kinyarwanda