Inanga and its place in African music (First option)In the documentary Inanga: A song of survival in a girl's Rwanda, Sibomana Athanase says: “After the drum, the inanga is the queen of all traditional instruments” (Inanga: A Girl's Story of Survival in Rwanda). For Rwandans, it is an instrument deeply rooted in tradition and culture, but with time, it gradually loses its appeal over generations. Traditionally associated with the Tutsi people, the identity of inanga lies in its historical origin. Played in the courts to appease the Tutsi kings, or mwami, the inanga became a concrete symbol of the contestation and the division of power which separated Rwanda into two distinct groups (Barz, McGovern). It is impossible to assess the importance of inanga without first examining the historical context of Rwanda. It is in this context that inanga derives its meaning, both as a symbol of destruction and rehabilitation. It is imperative that the role of inanga be assessed from an African perspective; only then can one fully appreciate the instrument as a national symbol rather than a primitive and inconsequential artifact. The role of inanga as a political tool was brought about by cultural conflict. Until the colonization of Rwanda by Germany in 1890, Rwandans had no concept of racial differences and there existed only Banyarwanda, the people of Rwanda (Barz, McGovern). This racial division between Hutu and Tutsi was created and implemented by the colonizers. The Hutus were determined to be the inferior race. Short and heavy, the Hutus were considered “born to lead,” while the taller and leaner Tutsis were considered “born leaders” (14.4). Therefore, when Rwanda became an independent nation in 196...... middle of paper ...... particularly defender of tradition. Rather than neglecting music, we must appreciate it. Then and only then can we consciously appreciate music for what it is, rather than contributing to the problem and furthering the disappearance of African culture in music. Works cited by Barz, Gregory and Patrick McGovern. Inanga: A Girl's Story of Survival in Rwanda. 2010. Inserting CDs. Vanderbilt University, Nashville.Barz, Gregory F. Music in East Africa: Discovering Music, Expressing Culture. NewYork: Oxford UP, 2004. Print.Inanga: A Girl's Story of Survival in Rwanda. Prod. Gregory Barz. Perf. Sophie Nzayisenga, Kirusu Thomas, Sibomana Athenase, Meddy. 2010. World Music Archives. Internet. April 15, 2014. Stone, Ruth M. Music in West Africa: Discovering Music, Expressing Culture. New York: Oxford UP, 2005. Print.