Umunyinya waving Burundian flag in Kigali with the message of unity, forgiveness and reconciliation

Credit: Ubumuntu Arts Festival 2018 (Mizero's father is telling his son to be a messenger of peace)

Selected to represent Burundi in Ubumuntu Arts Festival 4^th edition, Umunyinya attended it from July 12-16, 2018 in Kigali. This festival is organized by Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company. Ubumuntu Arts Festival was created to help Rwandan communities to unite, and international audiences to understand the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and draw a lasting lesson on how to ban any ideology that would reduce humanity to zero. All over the world, art has established a reputation as an effective channel for addressing social problems. It has enhanced Rwanda in dealing with the country’s immense post-Genocide challenges. “My body is my most precious tool, my soul’s messenger”. Umunyinya performed “Iragi”( Legacy) a play by Rivardo Niyonizigiye directed by Arthur Ban, interpreted by Edrine Irimbere, Audace Ndabahawe, Rivardo Niyonizigiye and Arthur Ban which painted the sense of unity, forgiveness and reconciliation as effective tools for mending our torn out communities. 

Credit: Ubumuntu Arts Festival 2018 (Uncle Ndio is teaching Mizero to revenge his family)

The Festival activities included among others performances, workshops, panel discussions, and Genocide memorial site visits. Some of the countries took part in this year’s festival are: Rwanda (the host), Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, UK, Belgium, Iraq, Egypt, Canada, Poland, Zimbabwe, Guinée, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

 “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” Desmond Tutu