Drummers Of Burundi

The Royal Drummers of Burundi, commonly known in recordings as The Drummers of Burundi, is a percussion ensemble originally from Burundi. They currently reside and perform in Dayton, Ohio (USA). Their performances are a part of ceremonies such as births, funerals, and coronations of mwami (Kings). Drums (called karyenda) are sacred in Burundi, and represent the mwami, fertility and regeneration. The Royal Drummers use drums made from hollowed tree trunks covered with animal skins. In addition to the central drum, called Inkiranya, there are Amashako drums which provide a continuous beat, and Ibishikiso drums, which follow the rhythm established by the Inkiranya.

Beginning in the 1960s, the Drummers have toured the world. They have recorded at least three albums and appeared on Joni Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns (1975), on Zimbo, the B-side of the Echo & The Bunnymen 12" single of The Cutter (1983), and the Def Leppard single "Rocket". They have influenced artists such as Adam And The Ants and Bow Wow Wow, and inspired Thomas Brooman to organize the WOMAD festival in 1982, which shaped the burgeoning world music genre.

Links To Peel
Peel played a track from them when they were collaborating with Echo & The Bunnymen for the song 'Zimbo', which was on the B-side of the single, The Cutter' and was also featured on the WOMAD Compilation LP, 'Raindrops Pattering On Banana Leaves And Other Tunes'.

Shows Played
1987
 * Peel 056 (BFBS):  'Zimbo (All My Colours) (Compilation LP-Raindrops Pattering On Banana Leaves And Other Tunes)' (Womad)