Burundi: Traditional Akazehe song threatened with extinction

Akazehe , a unique form of sung and polyphonic greeting, is one of the jewels of Burundian oral heritage. This song, exclusively performed by women in Burundian villages, plays a social and cultural role deeply rooted in local traditions. Celebrated for its vocal harmony and poetic character, this greeting is practiced in a call and response style. It consists of a musical exchange where women sing blessings and wishes for prosperity during ordinary meetings.

In Akazehe, a woman begins with a calling song called gutera , to which another responds with the kwakira , a line punctuated by the repetitive phrase “Eh, shasa!”, which can be translated as “How elegant!” or “How graceful!” This style of singing, which relies on rapid alternation between two voices, creates a distinct sound texture that symbolizes the interdependence and social equality among the participants.

An art in decline in the face of modernity

Today, akazehe is disappearing due to rapid modernization and rural exodus that are disrupting Burundian villages. Younger generations, attracted by urban life and influenced by globalization, seem to be abandoning traditions such as akazehe in favor of modern modes of communication. This cultural transformation leaves little room for ancient practices, which are nevertheless essential for maintaining Burundi's intangible heritage.

Symbol of unity and cultural identity

Akazehe is not limited to a simple greeting. It also represents a space of female solidarity, where women can express, through song, feelings of well-being and gratitude, thus strengthening community ties. Beyond its musicality, akazehe is a practice that carries within it the history and identity of Burundian women, allowing them to assert their place and transmit values ​​within society.

The urgent need to preserve akazehe

Faced with this threat of disappearance, ethnomusicologists and cultural organizations are calling for increased efforts to preserve akazehe. Local and international initiatives, such as workshops and recordings, aim to safeguard this practice and raise awareness of its value among young Burundians. Recordings of akazehe, made by researchers, have even been preserved in archives to allow future generations to discover this precious tradition and perpetuate its legacy.

The akazehe is thus much more than a song. It is a pillar of Burundian culture, a living expression of community life and a symbol of unity that deserves to be preserved for future generations.