Inanga (instrument)

The inānga (also known as enanga, ennanga, ikivuvu, and indimbagazo) is a traditional musical instrument played in Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It consists of a slightly concave soundboard framed by a thick notched rim which holds strings in place over the board.

There are two types of decorations for the soundboard: star-shaped or oval incisions, which are referred to as "the eyes of the inanga" and serve to distribute sound, and burnt wood markings.

[3] The inānga is almost always played to accompany the player singing a repeated, melodic motif in a distinct, whispery voice.

[2] In the past, the inānga was primarily played by professional musicians for chiefs; they typically sang epic and historical songs praising their patron.

An inanga performance in Busongora, Uganda.
A souvenir inanga from Kabale, Uganda.