Buganda Kingdom and its Rhythm

Like in any African culture, drums were meant for entertainment, communication and storytelling In Buganda kingdom, specific drums were  used in the palace to communicate to the community about the arrival of a royal family member for example the king, and this was mujaguzo, each drum had a different sound and the community could easily tell if it was a community gathering like communal work, passing of a royal family member or a king’s arrival. The chief drummer in the kingdom was from the pangolin clan and his work was on hereditary basis. He used to live a celibate life and his house were drums were kept was a no go for women since the culture believed that all women belonged to the king and this is still practiced until today. These specific drums include;

Mujaguzo

This particular one was sounded to announce arrival of a king and his children and everyone would be excited to have a glance at his majesty.

Kanabba

This type of drum was used to communicate when a royal family member has passed away or to tell a particular time and season.

Bantadde

This was particularly sounded on the arrival of any royal family member apart from the king and his children forexample Nalinnya (a sister to a king) and all other Royals in that aspect.

All these practices are still valid especially at Kasubi Royal tombs were the royal drum house is found.

NDOGA OBUKABA

At the entrance of Kasubi Royal Tombs is beautifully built gatehouse called Bujjabukula. Bujjabukula leads to a small courtyard which contains a circular house in which the royal drums are kept, this royal house is known as Ndoga-Obukaba. This house was constructed using wooden columns supporting a thatched roof, with walls made of woven reeds. This house keeps drums which have been there for more than a hundred years! The official caretaker of this house is Kawuula.

Clans in Buganda also own their own unique drums which are used during the traditional ceremonies. The traditional dance known as “Amazina Amaganda” has different formations and both men and women. They tie sashes and goat skins around their waists to energize the movements.

A typical Buganda drum set has more than 5 types of drums, each with a special name; Namunjoloba, Embuutu (double drums), Entuuzi, Empuunyi and Engalabi. The drums are accompanied by other instruments such as shakers, xylophone, tube fiddle, shakers and others.  The Baganda’s are known to have the best traditional dance. Therefore, as

You relax from your safari this could be an exciting experience as you enjoy the rhythms of Buganda kingdom.

Kindly book with us via our website for these immense experience.