Tarama Rwanda Initiative

TARAMA RWANDA

ORIGIN OF THE WORD "TARAMA"

In Rwandan tradition, the term ''Tarama" comes from verb "Gutarama" refers to the act of staying up late for community reunions during festivals. In the past, during celebrations like Umuganura (Rwandan Thanksgiving day), Rwandans would come together to sing and dance. Men would recite their legendary achievements, known as "Imyato," while women cheered them on. With so many events taking place, the festival became known as "INKERA YABEZA" or later "Kurara Inkera," which in modern times is commonly referred to as "Gutarama," indicating a night-long community gathering for a festival.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Rwandan sector of entertainment has experienced enormous adverse changes throughout the recent years, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown. Nonetheless, it is, currently, a significant source of employment for a substantial portion of Rwandan youth. Young people's ability to tell stories and express their views and thoughts through arts, such as music, painting, fashion, poetry, comedy, theatre and dance, is key in stimulating change and progress in the Rwandan entertainment industry. However, the industry is not yet set up to embrace, up-bring and nurture such young talents and assist them in making their passions and skills a transformative tool in Rwanda’s socio-economic and cultural development.

- The Tarama Rwanda Initiative was established to address this gap and give every youth an opportunity to display their talents and use them to impact their lives, communities, and the country.

- Tarama Rwanda's focus extends beyond the arts and entertainment industries to encompass the health and education sectors, with the ultimate objective of nurturing knowledgeable individuals who possess a sense of overall well-being.

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