Kirundo, Burundi: Nacumi, Rwihinda Lake and the Intore Tradition | The Burundi I Know

Kirundo is more than a province in northern Burundi. It is memory, heritage, landscape, and living history. In this episode of The Burundi I Know, we travel from Bujumbura to Kirundo to document stories that still breathe. We meet Nacumi, known by many through the legendary wedding song Nkoni Yera, a living voice of Burundi’s musical heritage. We explore Rwihinda Lake, one of Burundi’s most important natural wetlands and home to more than 250 species of migratory and indigenous birds. We revisit a former national airstrip, reflect on connection and possibility, and witness the powerful traditions of the Intore of Bwambarangwe, guardians of history and identity. This is not tourism. This is documentation. The Burundi I Know is a long form documentary series committed to preserving Burundian culture, landscapes, oral history, music, and memory as lived by its people. From bird sanctuaries to traditional dance, from rural schools to elders who carry history in their voices, this series archives what belongs to us before it fades into silence. If you believe Burundi deserves to be seen as it is lived, you can support this independent work through the link below. For extended reflections and field observations from this journey, visit https://shorturl.at/CZ032 and explore the Field Notes section. This is the Burundi I know. Support The Burundi I know via this link👇 https://shorturl.at/Hw0Pt 00:00 – Trailer 00:57 – Journey from Bujumbura to Kirundo 04:50 – Meeting Nacumi at Her Home 09:04 – From Nacumi’s Home to the Former Airstrip 14:14 – Rwihinda Lake and Its Migratory Birds 19:02 – Official Launch of The Burundi I Know 21:31 – The Intore of Bwambarangwe: Dance and History 37:29 – Closing Message to the Burundi I Know Community