As the Ministry of Culture hosts the 8th edition of the Burundian Drum Week, local drummers have voiced concerns over regulations they say hinder their profession and financial growth.
Key grievances center around a $2,000 fee required to transport traditional drums out of the country, which drummers argue is a significant barrier to their autonomy and international opportunities.
“We want these laws to be revised because they discourage us from expanding our reach,” said Jean Marie Nkengurutse, a drummer from Ruciteme Club in Ruyigi eastern province. He acknowledges the festival as an excellent platform to connect with peers but complains about the challenges clubs face in sustaining themselves due to a 2017 decree. This law mandates event organizers to pay a fee of 500,000 Burundian Francs (BIF) to the public treasury for social exhibitions featuring drums.
“The decree should be reconsidered,” Mr. Nkengurutse demanded. “Not all organizers can afford this amount, and it discourages our art.”
Veteran drummer Lucien Ndaruzaniye, 78, from Komezakaranga Club in Muyinga northern province, echoed similar sentiments. He recalled a time when drummers could freely perform at social events and earn money. “If this decree is revised, we could perform at events without needing special permissions,” he said.
The Ministry of Culture has sought to reassure drummers, promising amendments to existing regulations to improve their livelihoods. “We are aware of these issues,” said Rémy Hayimana, Director General of Culture. “We have already forwarded these concerns to decision-makers and proposed revisions to the decree to better support drummers economically,” he added.
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