Burundi: The Land of Drumming and Jumping

Welcome to Burundi – the tiny African country that packs a punch with its drumming and jumping traditions. It may be small, but it is fierce and fun-loving. Here’s a comical guide to this unique nation:

Geography

Burundi is a landlocked country located in Eastern Africa, nestled snugly between Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s so small, you can never find it on a map, and don’t even try to point it out to Siri – she’ll ask you if you meant Bhutan!

History

Burundi has a unique history that is full of surprises. It was once ruled by a monarchy, and the rulers were known as “mwami” – which sort of sounds like a dance style, but it’s not. This a place where jumping and drumming are revered as high art forms, not to mention the national sports along with cow tipping.

Culture

If you want to experience the Burundian culture, you need to learn to jump and drum. Jumping dance is called “ikinimba,” and it involves jumping as high as possible – almost like a kangaroo – while drumming with one hand and clapping with the other. It’s like playing patty-cake, but for adults who are too cool to play patty-cake.

Drumming in Burundi has been described as “the beating heart of the nation.” It’s the soundtrack to life here, and you can’t walk down the street without feeling the rhythm in your bones. When you see the Burundian drummers in action, you’ll realize they could give any famous rock band a run for their money in the rhythmic department.

Cuisine

The Burundian cuisine is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The national dish of Burundi is called “umutsima,” which is a type of porridge made from corn flour, beans, and vegetables. Of course, most of us know Burundi for their roasted coffee. But what you might not know is that the flavors are so vibrant, you can almost taste the drumming in every cup.

Conclusion