{"id":66219,"date":"2024-02-25T09:26:41","date_gmt":"2024-02-25T09:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/kigali-triennial-festival-closes-with-culinary-and-couture-creativity"},"modified":"2024-02-26T10:44:16","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T10:44:16","slug":"kigali-triennial-festival-closes-with-culinary-and-couture-creativity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/kigali-triennial-festival-closes-with-culinary-and-couture-creativity","title":{"rendered":"Kigali Triennial Festival closes with culinary and couture creativity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The first edition of the Kigali Triennial Festival, a multidisciplinary art celebration, kicked off on February 16 and ended on February 24 with a spectacular culinary art gala dinner, featuring an exquisite display of Rwandan cuisine aimed to showcase the diverse ways traditional foods can be prepared.<\/p>\n

Held at Kigali Marriott Hotel, the food and fashion show was graced by the First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, the Minister of Youth and Arts, Jean Abdallah Utumatwishima, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Representative of the UN Secretary-General to Rwanda, Ozonnia Ojielo, the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, and other dignitaries.<\/p>\n

The festival attracted participants from over 25 countries who have been in Kigali for a 10-day showcase of African culture, in particular performances, exhibitions, and events that included music, dance, fashion, theatre, film, cuisine, and visual arts.<\/p>\n

The event started with a display of fashionistas showcasing exceptional African attires, with a special emphasis on Rwandan outfits by local artisans such as Matheo Designs, Inkanda House, Masamala, and others.<\/p>\n

Burundian singer and songwriter Khadja Nin graced the event<\/p>\n

Models showcased stylish patterns and fabrics that tell the diverse stories of Africa, with a focus on Rwanda, through clothing.<\/p>\n

Nyambo Masa Mara, a well-known Rwandan fashion entrepreneur residing in South Africa, showcased the \u2018Umugongo Wahetse Intore\u2019 collection as a tribute to those who came before us. \u201cI wanted to show appreciation for what they did for us to be here today, and to celebrate with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

His collections feature various styles, including designs with \u2018horns\u2019. In this regard, Nyambo said, \u201cThe horns are very special to me. You cannot talk about Rwandan culture without mentioning \u2018Inyambo\u2019 \u2013 long-horned cows.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me, I must always make sure that I carry that signature that defines the identity of Rwandans, that\u2019s why whenever I do my collection, I make sure to show the world who we are [Rwandans].\u201d<\/p>\n

Nyambo affirmed that the platform holds significant importance as he believes Rwandan collections are now recognised as fashion brands. This recognition enables them to sell independently and sustain themselves, benefiting numerous industry players.<\/p>\n

On the culinary front, it started with a showcase of locally inspired dishes. Attendees got to enjoy and indulge in local beverages and a variety of Gakondo dishes, such as the invigorating \u2018avoka salad\u2019 made with locally sourced avocado, shaved carrot, onion, cucumber, white sorghum, and wilted dodo, all enhanced by Nyungwe honey dressing.<\/p>\n

The \u2018Umufa Soup\u2019 provided a comforting mix of seasonal beans, carrot, tomato, celery, and thyme in a garden chicken broth, while the vegetarian choice celebrated the \u2018amateke\u2019 and coconut soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, honouring Rwanda\u2019s agricultural abundance.<\/p>\n

The braised beef ribs, slow-cooked in their own juices and served with saute\u0301ed \u2018Ibihaza\u2019 leaves, roasted Taro, and tossed \u2018Inkori\u2019, provided a delicious experience.<\/p>\n

The lemon-garlic \u2018amasaka\u2019 pilaf with grilled chicken showcased Rwanda\u2019s diverse flavours, served with the vegetarian option \u2018inombe\u2019 of pumpkin and sorghum including roasted pumpkin puree, ghee-infused sorghum, and pumpkin leaves.<\/p>\n

For dessert, the \u2018agahebuzo\u2019 offered a delectable fusion of millet, ghee, nuts, and honey, creating a rich and wholesome treat. To complement the culinary experience, freshly brewed Rwandan coffee or tea, along with local drinks, left everyone thoroughly satisfied.<\/p>\n

The food served was prepared and presented in exceptional ways<\/p>\n

Minister Musafiri commended the chefs for presenting traditional food, a subject many Rwandans are eager to explore but lack opportunities to engage with, and assured the introduction of new initiatives to elevate it, aiming to restore its significance in a contemporary context.<\/p>\n

The chefs behind the Rwandan cuisine showcased during the event<\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe that this is not the end of the journey,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He noted: \u201cMy assurance is, since now we are discovering this art of cooking, as a ministry we are going to support any initiative related to gastronomy to promote the establishment of food that we can now present at any higher table.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additionally, Musafiri expressed concern about the need for a comprehensive book on Rwandan gastronomy to modernise the presentation of traditional food.<\/p>\n

He envisions this initiative not only generating income for farmers, especially suppliers, but also serving multiple purposes, such as incorporating traditional beverages to increase the value of each harvested crop.<\/p>\n

Singer Andy Bumuntu was also present<\/p>\n

Renowned model Franco Kabano showcasing the Masa Mara collection. Courtesy photos<\/p>\n

Inkanda, a fashion house, displays ‘Umushana’ the traditional attire<\/p>\n

Ildephonse Musafiri, the Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, delivers remarks.<\/p>\n

Attire by Matheo Designs<\/p>\n

‘Mugongo Wahetse Intore’ collection by Nyambo Masa Mara<\/p>\n\r\n