Rwanda
Founded in 2006 | Located in Kigali | 100+ Youth Served Weekly
The LEAF Rwanda Jr. Troupe is a talented, ambitious group of youth drummers and dancers from a small range of backgrounds. What unites them is resilience, devotion, and an unmistakable pride in being Rwandan. Watching them learn their own culture is something words don't fully capture. For many of these youth, this is more than a class — it's one of the only steady sources of joy in their day. Even on their days off, kids show up at the center just to watch the older performers, the "culture keepers," practice — a small escape from the harder realities they face. Today, the Jr. Troupe has grown to more than 200 youth members, practicing up to five times a week.
Meet The Culture Keepers
Patrick Nshimiyana is a cultural and traditional song, dance, and drum teacher for the LEAF Rwanda Jr. Troupe. He started his professional career in 2008 by drumming in multiple cultural groups. He is now a member of INGANZO NGARI, the current leading cultural troupe in Rwanda. He has performed throughout many East African countries, including Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the DRC. His goal is to teach Rwandan culture to people all over the world.
Patrick
Manzi Ramadhan (Born December 27th, 2000), is a studio producer who composes and writes traditional & modern songs at OneMic Studio. He joined LEAF Rwanda Jr Troupe and ONEMic Recording Studio in 2022 and has been with the team since.
Manzi graduated from Kigarama TVET School with a degree in ICT and software development. He aims to strengthen and promote the LEAF Rwanda Jr Troupe's cultural activities and OneMic Studio in and outside the country.
Manzi
“I found Rwandan dance through the LEAF Intore Cultural Troupe. I’m a JR and proud to be representing my country. ”