The unified, pounding, joyous rhythms of the Drummers Of Burundi provide one of the great sounds of world music and a representation of the traditional roots and culture of a tiny republic in Central Africa. Performing an ancient tribal ritual passed down through many generations, the drummers have historically performed at state ceremonies and coronations, but were discovered in the 1960s when they accompanied the king around the world. Their yelping, dancing and hollering inspired Thomas Brooman to set up the WOMAD festival in 1982 (at which they were one of the first acts to perform) and the group appeared on Joni Mitchell's album The Hissing Of Summer Lawns (1975). They went on to work with Echo And The Bunnymen on their track Zimbo and their drum beats were successfully adopted by Adam And The Ants and Bow Wow Wow, while Peter Gabriel became a huge fan and friend of the group. Their albums Batimbo - Musiques Et Chants (1991), Live At Real World (1993) and The Master Drummers Of Burundi (1994) are good examples of their work, but it's their vibrant, spirited live shows that continue to enchant people.
