Ingoma Nshya

These are our heroes, and it feels wonderful to celebrate them
The group, which is based in Huye district, is comprised of survivors of the 1994 Genocide as well as of relatives of genocide perpetrators. It was recognised for breaking cultural lines in winning the award that is given by Search for Common Ground, an international organisation.  

"Serving as role models for women survivors, theirs is an inspirational story of women empowerment, the healing of the wounds of Genocide, and of finding joy and hope," a statement from Search for Common Ground says. 

Ingoma Nshya boasts of the first women group as drummers, yest again breaking the cultural barrier, as it was historically seen as taboo for women to drum. 

The group's founder, OdileGakireKatese said; "in a country full of pain and grief, I chose to bring life, and I chose to bring joy." 
 
 
Ingoma Nshya - Rwandan Women's Drumming Group perform during their practice session in Butare, Rwanda on May 19, 2011.
 
The incredible women who are part of the Ingoma Nshya musical group - the first all-women drumming troupe in Rwanda, are of both Hutu and Tutsi origin, and all are survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Established in 2005 by OdileGakireKatese (or Kiki as she is mostly known as), the group has around 100 members (as of 2012) and was created with the intention of forging a space and outlet through which these women, as survivors of a brutal conflict, could express themselves freely and, in the process, find ways to heal and reconcile.
Their story was documented in the documentary 'Sweet Dreams'.
'Sweet Dreams': A Documentary on the All-Female Rwandan Drumming Troupe 'NgomaNshya'

The all-female Ingoma Nshya Dance and Drum Troupe is among the winners of this year's Common Ground Awards.

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