The Story of Gishora Drum Sanctuary
Perched on a peaceful hill just outside Gitega, the Gishora Drum Sanctuary is more than a cultural site — it is a living monument to the spirit, strength, and identity of the Burundian people. It was founded in the 19th century by King Mwezi Gisabo, one of Burundi’s most respected monarchs, to serve as a sacred place where royal drums would be preserved, protected, and honored.
👑 A Royal Legacy
The sanctuary was established after King Mwezi’s victory over rebel forces from the south. To commemorate his triumph and solidify his reign, he ordered the creation of a special site where the royal drums — once used only during ceremonies of great importance such as kingship coronations, royal births, and declarations of peace could be housed and celebrated with dignity.
These drums, known as “Ingoma”, were not just musical instruments — they were symbols of power, unity, and sacred authority. In ancient Burundi, the beating of the royal drum could only happen under the king’s blessing. It marked national events, summoned communities, and even carried messages across the land.
🛖 The Sanctuary Today
Today, Gishora remains one of the few places where authentic royal drumming is preserved and performed by descendants of the original drum guardians, known as the Batimbo. These master drummers are not entertainers — they are spiritual keepers of a tradition that connects Burundi’s past to its present.
Visitors to Gishora are welcomed into the Inkiranya, the traditional drum house, where some of the oldest sacred drums are kept. They witness the vibrant, high-energy performances that combine drumming, dancing, and storytelling — a rare opportunity to experience Burundi’s soul in motion.
🌍 Our Mission
At Gishora Drum Sanctuary, our mission is to:
- Preserve and protect Burundi’s royal drum heritage
- Share the story and symbolism of the drums with future generations
- Welcome visitors from around the world to experience this unique tradition
- Support the Batimbo community and their role as cultural ambassadors
🙏 A Living Heritage
Gishora is not a museum — it is a living sanctuary. Every drumbeat you hear here is real, sacred, and rooted in centuries of tradition. Whether you come as a tourist, a researcher, or a cultural explorer, you are part of the ongoing story of Burundi’s royal drums.
Come walk the same grounds where kings once stood, hear the same rhythms that have echoed across generations, and leave with a deeper connection to the true heartbeat of Burundi.