– A series of vivid images describing the immediate aftermath of battle: smoldering villages, children clutching empty bowls, and the sound of distant gunfire echoing like a mournful drum. The language is stark, employing short, clipped phrases that convey urgency and shock.
You can find the full lyrics and popular audio versions of the hymn at: Cantiques Kirundi (Scribd) Akaruru k'intambara N°210 (Facebook)
This powerful anthem, often used in Rwandan and Burundian worship, focuses on themes of spiritual protection and faith. Share public link
"Mowabu izotikira hariko havuga urwamo rwinshi, akaruru k’intambara n’ijwi ry’inzamba+." akaruru k intambara lyrics
: Try searching on YouTube with the exact title plus "lyrics" — many Rwandan songs have lyric videos. Websites like Genius, Museke, or local Rwandan music blogs may also have them.
This will help me provide you with the correct lyrics.
"Akaruru k’intambara" is a beloved Kirundi and Kinyarwanda Protestant hymn, also known as Hymn No. 210 in the "Indirimbo zo Guhimbaza Imana" hymnbook. This powerful song, often referred to as "The Sound of Battle," centers on themes of spiritual warfare, divine protection, and finding refuge in God through the imagery of the "Holy of Holies". – A series of vivid images describing the
The "small horn" is not loud, but it is piercing. The singer states it "refuses to disappear from my mind." This represents Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and collective memory. For survivors of the genocide, the warning signs (the akaruru ) are forever etched into their psyche.
"Akaruru K Intambara" translates to "The Drum of War" in English, a title that hints at the song's themes of struggle, resilience, and possibly reconciliation. While specific details about the song, including its origins and the artist, might be scarce, the impact of its lyrics on listeners is undeniable. The song is a representation of Rwandan music, which often employs drums as a central instrument, symbolizing communication, celebration, and, in some contexts, mobilization and war.
(The Cry of War) is more than just a song; it is a haunting sonic monument to one of the darkest chapters in human history—the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Through its evocative lyrics and somber composition, the song captures the visceral terror, the profound loss of humanity, and the enduring trauma of those who lived through the slaughter. Share public link "Mowabu izotikira hariko havuga urwamo
This is a foundational verse for many believers, as it shows that the ultimate war cry originates from God himself.
"Jehovah will go out like a mighty warrior. He will awaken his zeal like a soldier. He will shout, yes, he will let out a war cry; He will show himself mightier than his enemies."
Efforts to preserve the song’s legacy rely on oral transmission and grassroots archiving. Some Burundians who remember the original broadcast have shared partial transcriptions in online forums and social media comments. For example, one commenter on Iwacu wrote: “Les chansons qui ont été censurées ont été les plus écoutées” (The songs that were censored were the most listened to). This sentiment reflects a truth that extends beyond Burundi: censorship often backfires, turning obscure tracks into legendary anthems.