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[1] The stories of Burundi's heroes were first highlighted in a radio programme. Many heroes are still regarded as traitors by some members of their ethnic group. The 2006 Heroes Tour was intended to celebrate their bravery in their own communities.
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[2] It was time for a practice session. We went to a hill just outside Bujumbura. It was impossible not to be exhilirated by the spirited rhythms.
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[3] Before the tour could begin, skins were replaced on the drums. Drums have an important role in Burundi history and culture. Ruciteme's studio in Buyenzi was home to 2000 internally displaced people.
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[4] The first concert took place in Ruziba, a quarter south of Bujumbura. We were met by the heroes in a school yard. Vigorous drumming soon attracted a large audience. In the intervals during the performance, the Heroes would tell their stories.
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[5] We proceeded to Kinama, in North Bujumbura town. Here we were guests of a remarkable group of local women. Their association welcomes back displaced people and rebuilds homes that were destroyed during the crisis.
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[6] We then headed to Ruyigi, a provincial capital in the east of Burundi. This was by far the largest gathering of Heroes and these rescued, with more than 100 individuals present.
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[7] The event in Ruyigi was coordinated by Maggie Barankitse. Unable to prevent the massacre of 70 Hutu she was hiding, Maggie started caring for injured children. Her NGO, La Maison Shalom now cares for 10,000.
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[8] The next concert took place in Gitega, in central Burundi. Here the event was organised by Evariste Ndabaniwe, cousin of murdered President Melchior Ndadaye.
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[9] During the Gitega concert, Ruciteme was joined by the Gishora Drumming Group. Headed by 70-year-old Antime Barashankaje, this legendary troupe has been called to perform on many momentous occasions of the country's history. The jam session with Ruciteme was electrifying.
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[10] The last concert took place in Rutegama. This small village is close to Muramvya town, a provincial capital. The day did not start well, and proceeded very badly indeed.
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[11] The Rutegama concert was interrupted by the Deputy Governor. Apparently, even though we secured the permission of the local Administrator, we failed to obtain the permission of the Provincial Governor. This omission deserved punishment.
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[12] We were finally permitted to complete the concert in Rutegama. But we were taught a valuable lesson on how things are supposed to function in Burundi.
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[13] That afternoon we joined Pamphile Ndarugirire on the hills of Muramvya. Tutsi were killed or chased out of his village, their houses burned. Pamphile saved 38 Tutsi, but then had to be rescued by them when angry Hutu wanted to punish him.
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Sidebars
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Filmography of documentary film-maker Maziar Bahari. Maziar organised the 2006 Heroes tour in co-operation with Ruciteme and Search for Common Ground.
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Lena Slachmuijlder was the director of Search for Common Ground's Studio Ijambo. It was Studio Ijambo's programme, Inkingi y'Ubuntu, that first highlighted the Heroes' stories.
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Ruciteme performed at the 2006 Heroes Tour. Ruciteme is a troupe of traditional Burundi drummers.
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