About 500 Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at Utalii Sports Club in Nairobi at the weekend for the second Rwanda Cultural Gala and Exhibition.
The event celebrated the country's rich cultural heritage, traditions and entrepreneurial spirit.
It brought together members of the Rwandan community in Kenya for a day of sporting activities, cultural performances and exhibitions showcasing traditional arts, crafts and businesses.
Participants competed in football, volleyball and igisoro, a traditional board game, before joining an evening of cultural celebrations where the best-performing teams in the various categories were recognised and awarded.
Rwandan entrepreneurs also used the occasion to showcase their products and services, providing an opportunity to promote businesses within the diaspora and strengthen connections among community members.
In his remarks, Rwanda's High Commissioner to Kenya, Ernest Rwamucyo, thanked the diaspora committee for organising the gathering and urged members of the community to remain committed to preserving their national identity and traditions while living abroad.
“Let us uphold our values and preserve our rich culture,” Rwamucyo said.
He encouraged Rwandans to continue embracing the values that define their country and pass their cultural heritage on to future generations.
Dr Innocent Butare, chairperson of the leadership committee of the Rwandan Community in Kenya, echoed the sentiments, stressing the importance of maintaining Rwanda's positive image through unity, cultural preservation and responsible community engagement.
The celebrations were punctuated by traditional Rwandan dances, songs and drumming, with performers showcasing artistic expressions passed down through generations.
Among the highlights was the display of Amasunzu, a distinctive traditional Rwandan hairstyle historically worn by men and women. Created by cutting and shaping sections of the hair into elaborate forms, the style was traditionally associated with power, nobility, prestige and bravery.
The hairstyle gained international attention in 2018 when Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong'o wore an Amasunzu-inspired look on the red carpet at the Oscars, bringing renewed global interest in Rwanda's cultural identity.
The gala also showcased the country's traditional performing arts through the Intore dance, a centuries-old performance historically associated with the royal court.
Intore, meaning “the chosen ones”, were traditionally trained in military skills and dance, with high jumps forming a distinctive feature of their performances. Dancers typically wear grass wigs and carry spears, creating a dramatic display accompanied by traditional music and drumming.
Traditional crafts also featured prominently, including Imigongo, a distinctive art form made using cow dung to create raised geometric patterns, commonly in black, brown and white.
