The next inhabitants were the agricultural and pastoralist immigrants from the west. It is alleged that before the 15th century a ruler called Gihanga forged a centralized Rwanda state with similar roots to the Bunyoro and Buganda empires in the neighboring country of Uganda.

The precursors of the modern-day Tutsi and Hutu were a cattle owning nobility and agriculturalists respectively. The well established and powerful state was able to protest earlier attempts at the advent of European imperialism.

However, after the 1885, Berlin conference, Rwanda became a German colony.
Rwanda was later mandated to Belgium in the 1918 resulting into the implementation of indirect rule that actually triggered off to the acute divisions between the Tutsi and Hutu; a practice that has persisted up to date.

It should be noted that traditional music and dance is a vital component of the Rwanda people. Natives have a variety of music and dance associated with acts and performance that demonstrates epics commemorating bravery, harmony and humorous lyrics to hunting root. Musical instruments accompanying traditional songs include; a harp-like instrument with eight (8) strings and the Lilunga whereas eminent celebratory dances are backed by a drum; , Orchestra; comprising of seven (&) to nine (9) members who produce a hypnotic and thrilling sounds of organized rhythms.

The most popular traditional dance troupe is the “Intore Dance troupe.” The word intore means the chosen one’s, it was established centuries ago and once performed for the Royal court; currently their memorable performance can be arranged upon a short notice through the National museum at Butale. The music of Rwanda is also soothing, so don’t miss this activity.

Crafted handicrafts also contribute to richness of the country’s culture.

The Rwandan-Belgian Cecile Kayirebwa is the most popular Rwandan musician. Prior to the 1990’s which had mush chaos, Rwanda produced famous local bands such as Imena, Nyampinga, les 8 Anges, Les Fellows, Impala,, Abamarungi, Los Compagnons de la Chanson, Bisa, Ingenzi and Isibo y’Ishakwe. They captured influences from all over Africa, mainly the Congo and Caribbean Zouk and reggae. After the civil war, music slowly came back to the nation, and new stars came up, the most conspicuous of which is perhaps Aime Murefu, a guitarist that draws upon American rock and blues guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, BB King and Carlos Santana. Currently, singer Jean-Paul Samputu, together with Ingeli his group, won two Kora awards (African Grammy), for being the most Inspiring Artist ands also the Best Traditional Artists in the year 2003, for their performance of neo-traditional Rwandan music. The group goes around the world proclaiming the Christian message  of peace and reconciliation, and helps collect money for the number of orphans in Rwanda.